Green unexploded ordnance disposal company has taken space at the Innovation Centre Moorfield Group, the owner and landlord of Aberdeen Energy and Innovation Parks, has welcomed a new occupier, EODEX, to the Energy Park in Bridge of Don. EODEX, which specialises in the safe and environmentally friendly removal and disposal
Brickflow – the UK’s first comparison site for development finance – has launched an introducer programme for architects, enabling them to instantly connect property developer clients with lenders and earn additional revenue. Once an architect registers as a user and inputs the client’s project details, the digital platform compares loans
The GGF has reacted to the news of the Government extension of the transition period for the end of recognition of the CE mark in Great Britain has been extended until 1st January 2023. MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) on Tuesday 24th August updated its Guidance providing practical information
CFTS, the industry accrediting body for Through Examination, has flagged up concerns regarding the testing of attachments on a wide range of forklift trucks and mobile plant. “There seems to be some confusion among not only owners and operators of equipment but also a large number of inspection companies when
Linden Homes’ Minerva Heights Site Manager Lewis Little has been awarded a second NHBC annual Pride in the Job Award, which celebrates the unique role site managers play in crafting homes of outstanding quality. This is the second time Lewis has been awarded the national accolade, after previously winning the
Colt Technology Services and Getlink have today announced a 25-year contract, which will see Colt install its IQ Network through the Channel Tunnel, allowing a transfer capacity of several Terabits per second per fibre pair. This agreement will generate a minimum of €185m over the period for Getlink, with more
Developers claim that more than 3,000 additional permanent jobs will be created once the project is completed Construction has commenced in Wellingborough on the first commercial phase to be delivered at the £1bn Stanton Cross development to the east of the town centre. St Modwen Park logistics scheme will provide
A Bedfordshire housing association has completed the purchase of 4.06 acres to develop 100 new homes as part of a new 650-acre urban village being created near Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire. The £4.75m deal will see bpha create 49 shared ownership and 51 affordable properties for rent comprising a mix of
Visitors going to the Nationwide Windows & Doors stand F33 at Housing 2021 will see the very latest improvements to make windows and doors smart. Fingerprint is Nationwide’s app to provide lifetime traceability of certification, components and installation through QR codes. It provides full product traceability from manufacture and installation
National property developer Godwin Developments has secured leases with leading British bakery chain Greggs and electric vehicle charging company The EV Network at its drive-thru retail development in Stoke-on-Trent, construction of which is currently under way and due for completion in Q4 of this year. The scheme, which is now
Green unexploded ordnance disposal company has taken space at the Innovation Centre Moorfield Group, the owner and landlord of Aberdeen Energy and Innovation Parks, has welcomed a new occupier, EODEX, to the Energy Park in Bridge of Don. EODEX, which specialises in the safe and environmentally friendly removal and disposal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) around the world is opening its first Scottish base at Unit 2 of the Innovation Centre and has agreed an initial one-year lease. EODEX, which operates worldwide and whose main UK operational base is in Portsmouth, supports offshore and underwater projects by offering the very latest in world-class, capabilities to deliver safe UXO disposal solutions, to support any offshore or underwater project. EODEX also provides precise explosive cutting systems for underwater decommissioning projects. EODEX is at the heart of the #StopSeaBlasts campaign, which champions the use of this gentle and environmentally-friendly form of bomb disposal. The campaign is being spearheaded by actress and environmental campaigner Joanna Lumley. The EODEX UXO removal and disposal technique is optimised to offer the most gentle form of maritime bomb disposal and avoid detonation of seabed munitions whenever possible. EODEX is the only commercial organisation with unique access to the world’s leading Low Order Deflagration system which has a proven track history of 1000’s of successful firings. In use with the bomb disposal teams of the Royal Navy, US Navy and 15 of the worlds other leading military forces, EODEX provide this system for use where commercial EOD is required such as Offshore Wind Farms, interconnector routes or other marine intrusive projects. It offers a massive decrease in explosive noise through the water and is significantly less harmful to whales, dolphins and all other forms of sea life. EODEX’s Aberdeen base will concentrate on projects in the North Sea and Scottish waters. It will serve as a hub for three employees initially, but this is expected to increase as the UK and global economy transitions from oil consumption to renewables, a shift set to increase the demand for EODEX’s sustainable technologies. Bernie Morrison, Executive Director of EODEX said: “Green energy is the way forward and seabed operations to locate, classify and safely dispose of UXO’s has grown considerably following the increase in global demand for renewable energy development. “The growth in the renewables sector in Scotland and globally brings enormous potential for our business to grow and develop from our Aberdeen base. “The new office provides the perfect location and has everything we need to provide our team with a positive working environment together.” Hugh Canham, Head of Asset Management at Moorfield Group added: “This deal is yet another boost for our reputation as a key business location within Aberdeen and the North East region. It is testament to the quality of our workspaces that dynamic new occupiers like EODEX recognise the value in the flexible office solutions that we have available here at the Parks. “As pandemic restrictions start to ease, we anticipate increased occupier demand for space at the Parks. We provide occupiers and their staff with the perfect safe office solutions within a spacious and green environment, ideally suited to support health and well-being, the vital importance of which has been highlighted over the past 18 months.” Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks comprise 200,000 sq ft of multi-let office and industrial space for more than 80 companies and a workforce of nearly 2,000 employees in the Bridge of Don area of Aberdeen. The Innovation Centre offers occupiers a modern serviced office centre that provides a mix of two to ten-person serviced office suites on highly flexible terms. The park offers ample car parking and electric charging points. It is conveniently located, approximately three miles north of Aberdeen city centre and close to the Aberdeen Western Periphery Route. Knight Frank and Ryden are joint agents for Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks.
Brickflow – the UK’s first comparison site for development finance – has launched an introducer programme for architects, enabling them to instantly connect property developer clients with lenders and earn additional revenue. Once an architect registers as a user and inputs the client’s project details, the digital platform compares loans from over 30 lenders. By using proprietary algorithms and searching over 120 data points across each lender, Brickflow pairs the right lender options with the project, returning instant results which can then be sent to the borrower via a link. The conversion rate from Heads of Terms to loan completion is over 90%. With 50% commission on offer for the first completed loan and 25% thereafter, architects can typically earn around £7,500 on a £1.5m development loan and £15,000 on a £4m deal. One recent referral will see the architect receive £27,000 on loan completion. Loan offers range from £150k to £150m and are available for residential, commercial and mixed-use new-builds, conversion and Permitted Development projects. “For architects this is a win, win scenario,” says Brickflow key account director, Chris Meyer. “It‘s a great opportunity to be more valuable to your property developer clients while also increasing your earning potential; you’re giving clients access to ground-breaking comparison technology that will save them both time and money.” To find out more visit www.brickflow.com/introducers, email chris@brickflow.com or call 020 4525 6764.
The GGF has reacted to the news of the Government extension of the transition period for the end of recognition of the CE mark in Great Britain has been extended until 1st January 2023. MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) on Tuesday 24th August updated its Guidance providing practical information for placing construction products on the GB market. The Government announcement stated; “Businesses must prepare for the end of recognition of the CE mark in GB and affix the UK marking using a UK-recognised ‘approved body’. Our intention is to end recognition of the CE mark by 1 January 2023. Current rules will remain in place until legislation is laid to end recognition of the CE mark. Businesses should comply with the new UK regime, as soon as possible. This includes use of the UK mark in GB. To allow businesses time to adjust, some CE marked goods, that meet EU requirements, may continue to be placed on the GB market. However, we intend for this arrangement to end on 1 January 2023, and businesses should ensure they are prepared for the new system before it comes into effect after we have laid legislation.” On hearing the confirmation, David Borland, GGF Senior Technical Officer commented: “Though we anticipated there would be an extension, we are relieved that the extension period has been confirmed, giving companies an additional twelve months to comply with UKCA marking.” Over the last two years, the GGF has been in discussions with MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) on the issues (testing and certification) around the continuous implementation of the Construction Products Regulation and CE marking post–Brexit. The concerns raised by the GGF still remain and the Federation is constantly pushing for a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) that would be accepted by the EU27 before the legislation expires at the end of next 2022. David Borland continued, “The EU has refused to recognise test evidence for AVCP3s (Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance 3) since 1st January 2021 if supplied by a UK testing body. This will still mean additional testing costs for UK businesses notwithstanding the possible backlog of products to be tested. So whilst we are relieved for the extension, we remain cautious about the future of testing and certification for UK products. On behalf of our Members, we will continue dialogue with Government and hope for a smooth transition to UKCA marking.”
CFTS, the industry accrediting body for Through Examination, has flagged up concerns regarding the testing of attachments on a wide range of forklift trucks and mobile plant. “There seems to be some confusion among not only owners and operators of equipment but also a large number of inspection companies when it comes to testing attachments,” explains Geoff Martin, Chairman of CFTS. “The first issue is what attachments require a Thorough Examination. The law is quite clear that if lifting attachments are not permanently fitted – and that can include anything from safety cages to bale and barrel clamps – then they must receive a separate Thorough Examination to ensure they are safe and in good working order. “Which brings us onto the second issue and that is the problem of specificity. Many of those carrying out Thorough Examinations (often referred to as LOLERs) are using a generic checklist when inspecting attachments. That is not best practice and could leave you exposed to prosecution should things go wrong.” When conducting an examination of any attachment it is vitally important that the documentation includes a full set of checks specific to the attachments(s), regardless of whether it is fitted permanently or temporarily. Working with leading manufacturers and distributors of attachments, CFTS has created a 33-point checklist that ensures all electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical components are working correctly and safely. This is only available through companies that have been accredited through the CFTS process. “The third issue is one of timing,” adds Geoff Martin. “Because of the nature of the work and the potential for injuries or component failure, removable attachments generally require more frequent inspections than the forklift, tractor, telehandler or plant to which they are fitted. “However, my advice to anyone whose lifting equipment uses an attachment would be to eliminate any doubt by visiting the CFTS website and contacting the nearest CFTS-accredited company and check what applies to your individual equipment, site and operations. Their guidance will be expert, free of charge and without any obligations.” To gauge how often Thorough Examinations are required take this quick CFTS quiz: https://www.thoroughexamination.org/how-often-is-thorough-examination-required For more information on CFTS or to find your nearest Thorough Examination provider visit www.thoroughexamination.org/find-an-accredited-examiner
Linden Homes’ Minerva Heights Site Manager Lewis Little has been awarded a second NHBC annual Pride in the Job Award, which celebrates the unique role site managers play in crafting homes of outstanding quality. This is the second time Lewis has been awarded the national accolade, after previously winning the award for his work at Linden Homes’ Kilnhurst Gardens development in Verwood, which demonstrates his ongoing commitment to his work and overall professionalism. Lewis (31) has been selected from a pool of more than 10,000 as one of the 450 site managers to win the Quality Award which is the first category of the NHBC’s Pride in the Job Award 2021. This year’s winners have been chosen following a thorough assessment of the skills demonstrated on site including consistency, leadership, attention to detail, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise and health and safety. Through delivering this annual award to the very best site managers in the UK the NHBC promotes the important role that the job entails, providing new homes that are delivered on time, on safe sites and to the highest quality standards. Lewis joined Linden Homes in 2016 and has managed the successful Minerva Heights development since August 2020. Lewis commented: “I am absolutely over the moon for the site team and all the contractors at Minerva Heights to win the Pride in the Job award. It is hugely deserved by all involved and this project has been a pleasure to run from the start. Our focus has been to deliver a 5-star quality to our customers and to win the NHBC Pride in the Job award along with that is the icing on the cake. Thank you to all involved.” Steve Ott, Construction Director for Vistry Southern, commented: “The Pride in the Job awards are highly regarded within the housebuilding industry, so we are very proud that Lewis has won for the second time. As a housebuilder we are honoured to have only the most dedicated of site managers among our ranks who ensure that nothing is overlooked when it comes to providing the highest quality during the construction of our new build homes. On behalf of Linden Homes, we would like to wish him the best of luck in the upcoming rounds of the competition.” Lewis has earned this win after twelve months of rigorous judging, with this round of the competition having begun in July 2020. The Quality Award winners are now set to enter into the next round and compete for Seal of Excellence and Regional Awards in the autumn, with the national Supreme Award winners unveiled in January 2022. Minerva Heights is a contemporary collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses for sale in Chichester – close to the cathedral city’s centre and near to numerous schools, restaurants and amenities. For further information about Minerva Heights, call 01243 928 738 or visit the website.
Colt Technology Services and Getlink have today announced a 25-year contract, which will see Colt install its IQ Network through the Channel Tunnel, allowing a transfer capacity of several Terabits per second per fibre pair. This agreement will generate a minimum of €185m over the period for Getlink, with more than a third secured over the first five years. Colt will carry out the installation and entire operation of the IQ Network in accordance with the Channel Tunnel’s safety and security regulations, while Getlink will be responsible for maintenance. Colt will fully commercialise Getlink’s Channel Tunnel optic fibre and increase Getlink’s internal telecoms capacity – a unique subsea infrastructure and connectivity route that has never seen downtime. The quality of the asset will allow the customers to benefit from span diversity. The Colt IQ Network is a 100Gbps optimised, high bandwidth and low latency network that connects over 900 data centres and over 29,000 on net buildings globally. The contracts for dark fibre installed in the Tunnel in 1998 will progressively expire until 2025, and Colt will take over their operation. The significant increase in bandwidth between the UK and mainland Europe will help meet the high growth in data traffic expected by 2025, making the Channel Tunnel a vital link not only for passengers and goods but also for data. Yann Leriche, Chief Executive Officer of Getlink, stated: “The strategic location and the reliability offered by the Tunnel make our infrastructure very attractive for high-tech developments such as fibre optics. We are happy to once again leverage the Channel Tunnel asset to create the most value for our shareholders.” Keri Gilder, Chief Executive Officer of Colt, stated: “Colt is thrilled to have entered this strategic agreement with Getlink. There is a growing demand for bandwidth between the UK and mainland Europe, which will only increase in the coming years. By running our IQ Network through the Channel Tunnel, Colt customers will benefit from reliable, low latency, high bandwidth connectivity with the option of full diversity across the entire Tunnel span. The future potential of the Tunnel connectivity is significant, and it’s an exciting time for the wider telco industry as we continue to leverage the power of relationships to drive digital transformation and move towards the digital future.” About Getlink Getlink SE (Euronext Paris) manages, through its subsidiary Eurotunnel, the infrastructure of the Channel Tunnel and operates truck and passenger Shuttle Services (cars and coaches) between Folkestone (UK) and Calais (France). Eurotunnel is the concession holder and operator of the Channel Tunnel, the fastest, most reliable, easiest and most environmentally friendly way across the English Channel until 2086. In 26 years, more than 460 million people and more than 90 million vehicles have travelled through the Channel Tunnel. This unique land link has become a vital link between the continent and the United Kingdom. Getlink also offers a rail freight business through its subsidiary Europorte, which offers a wide range of integrated rail services, as well as an electrical interconnection through its subsidiary ElecLink. https://www.getlinkgroup.com
Developers claim that more than 3,000 additional permanent jobs will be created once the project is completed Construction has commenced in Wellingborough on the first commercial phase to be delivered at the £1bn Stanton Cross development to the east of the town centre. St Modwen Park logistics scheme will provide warehousing and distribution units with the first phase providing three separate buildings between 44,000 sq ft and 172,000 sq ft. Two of the units will be built speculatively and will be ready at the end of the year, while the third unit is available on a built to suit basis – with further opportunities in phases two and three. Stanton Cross will create about 300 jobs a year over the construction period, and developers claim that more than 3,000 additional permanent jobs will be created once the project is completed. Lee Barrett, divisional operations director for Vistry Group and a representative of Stanton Cross Developments (SCD) LLP, promoters of the Stanton Cross project, said: “We are thrilled that construction is now underway on the first phase of St Modwen Park at Wellingborough. “This incredibly important milestone is a major step towards the creation of a thriving commercial hub at Stanton Cross which will unlock employment opportunities for Northamptonshire residents. “These are high specification units, strategically located with excellent connectivity and, although we have just broken ground on site, we are already experiencing high levels of interest from a range of occupiers.” The first commercial units have planning permission for storage and distribution usage, with warehouse facilities on the ground floor and an open plan office and kitchenette on the first floor, with a range of bespoke fitout options also available. Externally, each individual unit has a dedicated secure service yard, private parking and loading area, as well as sustainable features such as electric car charging points and photovoltaic roof panels. Ben Silcock, development and leasing manager at St Modwen Logistics, said: “St Modwen Park Wellingborough at Stanton Cross forms part of our continued strategy to strengthen our a high-quality industrial and logistics portfolio across the UK. “The units built at the scheme will benefit from our Swan Standard guidelines – which ensures each St. Modwen site is supplemented with park enhancements across five key areas; transport, security, environment, wellbeing of those who work on and visit sites, and importantly, the surrounding community. “We are pleased to be working alongside our partners, SCD, in bringing forward the first phase of development and look forward to playing our part in creating a great place to live, work and visit.” Stanton Cross is a £1 billion residential-led development to the east of Wellingborough which will eventually include 3,650 new homes alongside new leisure and retail amenities and commercial space – including offices, industrial space, and a trade park.
A Bedfordshire housing association has completed the purchase of 4.06 acres to develop 100 new homes as part of a new 650-acre urban village being created near Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire. The £4.75m deal will see bpha create 49 shared ownership and 51 affordable properties for rent comprising a mix of apartments and houses ranging from one bedroom through to three bedroom homes. Work to build the homes is due to commence in April 2022, with the first homes being completed by August 2023. Completion of the development is anticipated in October 2024. As part of the deal bpha will also deliver three retail units offering locally run shops, in line with Linmere’s 20-minute neighbourhood strategy meaning that residents will never be more than a 20-minute walk or cycle ride away from community facilities, shops, schools and green spaces. Jeff Astle, Executive Director of Development and Sales at bpha said “We are very pleased to have acquired this site at Linmere and look forward to developing a high-quality scheme of much needed homes for shared ownership and affordable rent in this most sustainable location. We are grateful to Homes England for its financial support to ensure that the scheme can progress and we will be submitting a Reserved Matters Planning application to Central Bedfordshire Council shortly. With an anticipated start on site in April 2022, we will be seeking a construction partner before the end of this year”. The scheme will contribute to bpha’s development plans to deliver 3,000 new dwellings over the next five years across the Oxford to Cambridge Arc, where the organisation currently owns or manages around 19,500 homes. The bpha homes are the latest affordable properties to be announced at the new Linmere development, which is being created over the next 15 years by the Houghton Regis Management Company (HRMC), a consortium comprising master developers Lands Improvement, Aviva Investors, and the Diocese of St Albans. Linmere development director Nigel Reid said: “We’re delighted to welcome bpha to the Linmere fold. With our focus on creating communities, the one hundred well designed tenure-blind affordable homes it is going to build will play a key role in ensuring we offer something for everyone. The site will also complement our ethos of ensuring that every single resident is only ever five minutes away from an open green space and needs to travel no further than 20 minutes on foot or bicycle to reach a shop selling everyday essentials.” The first homes at Linmere will be available for occupation in the autumn. Around a third of the 650 acres will not be developed, with 90 acres of this being formal public open space. The rest will be managed land, allowing natural habitats to thrive. The development will offer a combination of parkland, wildlife corridors, allotments, sports pitches, play areas and walking routes linking the new village with surrounding countryside and rural settlements. Cycle paths and cycle-friendly roads will crisscross the development and Linmere will also link in with the national cycle network. Linmere will see the creation of 5,150 homes over the next 15 years. Two brand new state of the art primary schools and an extension to Houghton Regis’ existing Thornhill Primary school, due to open this September. A ten-form secondary school will open in September 2022.
Visitors going to the Nationwide Windows & Doors stand F33 at Housing 2021 will see the very latest improvements to make windows and doors smart. Fingerprint is Nationwide’s app to provide lifetime traceability of certification, components and installation through QR codes. It provides full product traceability from manufacture and installation and continues throughout its lifecycle. Alongside Fingerprint, Nationwide is showing Kubu for perimeter security and Ultion for state-of-the-art locking. “These latest innovations make windows and doors smart,” says Kevin Caveney, Director of Commercial Sales at Nationwide Windows & Doors. “Fingerprint will revolutionise the management of maintenance and service calls. An installed product’s history can be accessed by scanning a permanent QR code to instantly show proof of certification and product specification such as hardware or glazing details. Critical maintenance data is available for housing stock, offering opportunities to significantly reduce management time. “As part of our commitment to improving communities, housing and homes, we have a prize draw for visitors downloading the Fingerprint app before or during the show, with a donation of £1,000 to the winners chosen charity or community scheme.” Visitors to stand F33 will be able to use all the latest smart technology for themselves and enjoy a FREE coffee. To find out more visit www.nwd.co.uk
National property developer Godwin Developments has secured leases with leading British bakery chain Greggs and electric vehicle charging company The EV Network at its drive-thru retail development in Stoke-on-Trent, construction of which is currently under way and due for completion in Q4 of this year. The scheme, which is now fully let, is situated off the busy A50 Baths Road in Longton near the Phoenix Retail Park. The development is eight minutes’ drive from the city centre and is also adjacent to a Tesco Extra supermarket and a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant. With the lease of the drive-thru unit agreed with Costa Coffee earlier this year, Greggs has now committed to occupying the second unit at the site, which is a drive-to. The Greggs unit will contain 16 indoor seats as well as some external seating. Ketan Patel, senior development manager at Godwin Developments, said: “We’re delighted to have reached an agreement with national bakery giant Greggs at our roadside retail scheme in Stoke-on-Trent. The new store will provide a quick and convenient food-to-go offering to 60,000+ vehicles passing the site daily as well as the approximately 55,000 residents living within a 10-minute drive of the new outlet. Securing a popular operator like Greggs is a welcome addition to our scheme and will bring further custom to the site from the A50 and the Longton area.” Francesca Michie, regional property manager from Greggs, added: “We are delighted to be growing our presence in the city of Stoke-on-Trent. We are looking forward to opening the store and envisage this will be very popular amongst local residents as well as commuters on the A50. We would like to thank the team at Godwin Developments for their highly professional and flexible approach in helping us create the unit that best fits our requirements.” As well as signing Greggs for the development, Godwin has agreed a lease with independent charging provider The EV Network. The company will provide six charging bays that will be available alongside the site’s other 35 car parking spaces. Ketan added: “The proportion of electric vehicles on our roads is rising – with electric vehicles now expected to account for more than one in six new cars acquired in 2021. We therefore recognise the importance of making quick and rapid EV charging points available at the site. These will provide additional facilities to consumers as well as ensure the scheme’s longevity and sustainability.” Matthew Guest, acquisition manager at The EV Network, said: “The development represents a fantastic opportunity to bring ultra-fast, 300kW EV charging hardware to Stoke-on-Trent, enabling all electric vehicles to be charged in the shortest possible time. We are delighted to have worked with Godwin on this scheme and look forward to seeing the scheme in operation.” Stuart Pratt, director and co-founder at Godwin Developments, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Greggs again, providing the nation’s favourite bakery chain with an opportunity to grow its market share and customer reach at this prominent high traffic location in Stoke-on-Trent. It is also fantastic to be partnering with the EV Network for this development who have been excellent throughout. “Godwin Developments is a business with a significant experience with roadside retail schemes – including land acquisition, planning and build out – and we continue to seek additional sites across the country to support our customers expansion plans. “We are also pleased to be working on this occasion with local firm Intium Construction Ltd, providing additional income and employment into the area.” For more information about Godwin Developments, visit www.godwingroup.co.uk/developments