The Housing Forum (THF) has set up a Futures Network for a cohort of prospective future leaders who are at an early and promising stage of their development. THF is in a unique position to actively support the growth of the skills the housing industry needs and to widen diversity
One of the most important and common materials used in construction is steel. Many buildings—be they residential, commercial, or industrial—heavily rely on steel. Currently, the use of secondary steel is heightening. It’s manufactured from the remains of primary steel to be recycled and molded. This kind of steel has no
WORKS are continuing at six renovation projects across the north thanks to specialist contractor The Input Group – including Manchester Victoria, Keighley, Ilkley, Alnmouth, Redcar, Mills Hill and Prescot railway stations. The projects, which are being carried out on behalf of Northern, comprise the refurbishment of both public and staff facilities
The UK’s largest sawmiller and manufacturer of sawn timber products has launched an Accredited Installer Scheme that offers an array of exclusive benefits to contractors across the country. BSW’s Accredited Installer Scheme allows landscapers, joiners and builders to benefit from a wide range of services and support that will
Two tech companies have joined forces to create a new turnstile with an in-built software system to improve safety and security on construction sites across the UK and Ireland. Security technology company Envision Intelligent Solutions, which also has offices in Northern Ireland, England and the USA, teamed up with software
John Wesley Hyatt succeeded in creating celluloid in 1870 and only two years later also invented injection molding, though it was very limited. It wasn’t until WWII came with unique challenges that James R W Hendry stepped up to deliver the world’s first screw injection machine. With this invention, metal
Over the past few decades, businesses and individuals have been subjected to increased scrutiny by government and regulatory agencies. Over a seemingly typical course of operations, issues may arise that could potentially lead to fraud and abuse allegations. When auditors begin to arrive and investigate, it is best to have
Connected Places Catapult has brought together Yorkshire Housing and Vantage UAV as part of the Government Drone Pathfinder Catalyst Programme. The programme is sponsored by the Department for Transport (DfT), and supported by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Together we aim to accelerate the safe adoption
Plans for 73 new high quality homes in Sheffield will complete a memorable circle for two men involved in removing properties from the site over a decade ago. Steve Birch, then working with the council’s housing department, was involved with local Cllr. Tony Damms, in finding better homes for those
Matrix Networks has been appointed by Goodman to design and install multi-utility connections for the new Purfleet 338 logistics development at Purfleet Commercial Park in Thurrock. The Independent Connections Provider has been commissioned by its long-standing client following a competitive tender process to supply electricity, gas and water connections for
The Housing Forum (THF) has set up a Futures Network for a cohort of prospective future leaders who are at an early and promising stage of their development. THF is in a unique position to actively support the growth of the skills the housing industry needs and to widen diversity and build new networks. Through this initiative, THF will benefit from access to different approaches and enable THF to actively address succession and relevance to the membership and industry. Stephen Teagle, The Housing Forum Chairman said ‘This Futures Network supports a group of prospective promising future leaders who will be empowered to provide a unique perspective and sustain the future of the work of The Housing Forum, learning from board mentors as they contribute to and promote the benefits of the network during their careers’. The first cohort nominated by their organisations are – Will Gregory and Mustab Ahmed from Baily Garner Daniel Love from Polypipe Building Products (part of the Genuit Group) Phena MacNamara, Kotey Nikoi from Pollard Thomas Edwards Thomas Bugler, Anna Barrett from Bugler Group Richard Johnson from Platform Housing Group Phil Wilsdon from Airey Miller Scott Batty, Mary Zhang from The Guiness Partnership Emma Colin from Vistry Stuart Brown from Trowers & Hamlins Rory Kemp Camilla Budd from Wates Development Eleni Stathi from HTA Design Lauren Williams from Fusion Build
One of the most important and common materials used in construction is steel. Many buildings—be they residential, commercial, or industrial—heavily rely on steel. Currently, the use of secondary steel is heightening. It’s manufactured from the remains of primary steel to be recycled and molded. This kind of steel has no mill certifications, and it’s cheaper compared to primary steel. Secondary steel can also be the result of processes such as steel slitting. It serves to fulfil specific customers’ needs. There are several benefits associated with secondary steel. Here are just some of them: How Is Secondary Steel Used? Given how advantageous secondary steel is, it’s not surprising that it has many industrial applications, including the following: 1. Surface Casing Surface casing is a pipe installed in gas and oil wells. It’s placed near a well to safeguard water sands against leakage or contamination resulting from gas or oil drilling projects. Surface casings are used in concrete pilings in many construction processes, too. 2. Frame Construction Secondary steel can be utilized in forming the frame that supports primary frames in the construction of houses. That kind of support is crucial to ensure that the main frames don’t twist or break. Frames made from secondary steel also help in attaching walls and roofs. These are several common framing parts you may encounter: 3. Pipe Making Recycled steel can also be used to manufacture pipes, which could be irrigation, plumbing, or water pipes. These end products of recycled steel work as well as their counterparts made from primary steel. 4. Packaging Uses Secondary steel can be used in manufacturing food packaging materials and beverage containers. The process involved is usually cost-effective and doesn’t harm the environment. 5. Automobiles Secondary steel is considered a strong and affordable material in the production of some vehicle parts. Even old automobiles are recycled to make new ones. This is possible because steel doesn’t degrade quickly. 6. Home Furniture And Appliances Couches, tables, and chairs can have legs made from secondary steel. When it comes to designing modern furniture, steel can be incorporated in order to come up with stylish designs. What’s more, offices can have modern cabinets and sleek desks manufactured from secondary steel. Lightning fixtures, refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers have parts constructed from recycled steel as well. These home appliances and furniture are all durable. 7. Signs And Creative Endeavors Secondary steel can be used for outdoor road and entryway signs. Meanwhile, some communities turn to secondary steel to produce outstanding sculptures. These artistic pieces can last a long time. 8. Creation Of New, Sturdy Metal Products With the aid of an electric arc furnace, secondary steel can be refined and turned into quality products. During the process, less energy is used, which ultimately helps in lowering costs. The metals manufactured can be used in railway and bridge construction. Takeaway The use of secondary steel in various industries is increasing. This is because of the benefits that come with this metal, among them being durability and affordability. In the long run, it may help contribute to the reduction of steel materials in landfills. Moreover, utilizing secondary steel is a great way to save on costs associated with primary steel.
WORKS are continuing at six renovation projects across the north thanks to specialist contractor The Input Group – including Manchester Victoria, Keighley, Ilkley, Alnmouth, Redcar, Mills Hill and Prescot railway stations. The projects, which are being carried out on behalf of Northern, comprise the refurbishment of both public and staff facilities in each build. With construction completed this month (June 2021), the £2.6 million Manchester Victoria reconfiguration included the redesign of its facilities across three phases in order to better suit the day-to-day operations of the station. This comprised an overhaul of the station’s mechanical and electrical systems, relocation of IT infrastructure including security cameras, PA and rail control systems and adaptations to the main Grade II listed building – which were centered around modernising NTL staff accommodation to improve employee experience. Chris Monk, managing director at The Input Group, said: “We’re incredibly excited about working across these projects as they will help to improve infrastructure across the north and contribute towards the reopening of the region’s tourist industry. “After a difficult year it’s great to see the country moving again, so we’re pleased to play our part in preparing these stations for a long-awaited rise in footfall – whether it be for work or leisure – that will help to rebuild the travel sector and support the national economy.” Keighley, Ilkley, Alnmouth and Redcar railway stations, which are due to be complete by July 2021, have all been commissioned as a joint project of works. The programmes include full redecoration with new carpet tiles and non-slip flooring, new kitchenettes for staff, refurbished toilets with updated sanitary facilities and wall coverings across all four projects. Chris continued: “We have a great working relationship with the team at Northern – having worked with them on multiple staff accommodation schemes in the past – and we’re incredibly happy that they have chosen The Input Group to work across these projects. Building strong client relationships is essential to our company ethos, which is why we work hard to deliver our projects on time, on budget and to an incredibly high standard, so we’re really excited to be making progress on these projects.” Mills Hill railway station will also be receiving a £450,000 park and ride refurbishment, which will see its number of parking spaces increase from 24 to 58 – including three fully accessible and three extra-wide spaces. The Input Group team will also be installing new lighting and CCTV cameras, creating motorbike parking and a one-way traffic system, and carrying out resurfacing works. The project is part of a wider initiative to improve accessibility to the station and encourage residents to travel more sustainably. The Input Group team also recently improved accessibility at Prescot railway station, with more than £3 million worth of refurbishment works completed this month (June 2021). The station now features a new lift shaft on each platform, a contemporary ticket office, fully accessible toilet facilities and enhanced lighting and signage throughout. The car park has also been resurfaced and remodelled to include a dedicated drop-off area, as well as having new secure cycle parking installed. These upgrades have made the station fully accessible with step free access between the car park, the station platforms and station facilities. Steve Kilby, senior project manager at Northern, said: “I am delighted that the improvement works at the Prescot station are now complete, especially as they continued despite the pandemic. Through a truly collaborative approach, Northern, Merseytravel, Knowsley Council, Network Rail, Seed Architects and The Input Group have worked so hard to make this happen under challenging circumstances. “The £3.6m project was delivered on time, within budget and with no accidents. The station is now much more welcoming and accessible for people who not only live in the town, but also for people who are visiting Prescot.” To find out more about The Input Group, please visit www.inputgroup.co.uk or contact marketing@inputgroup.co.uk.
The UK’s largest sawmiller and manufacturer of sawn timber products has launched an Accredited Installer Scheme that offers an array of exclusive benefits to contractors across the country. BSW’s Accredited Installer Scheme allows landscapers, joiners and builders to benefit from a wide range of services and support that will help to promote and add value to their business. Benefits include exclusive product training and automatic access to a rewards scheme, whereby installers can earn money just for using BSW products. Installers will also have access to a personalised dashboard on the BSW website, allowing them to promote their specialist services and gain leads for their business. Installers will receive a comprehensive membership pack, which includes BSW product samples, literature and branded merchandise. The scheme is completely free to join and there are no monthly fees involved. By joining installers will gain insider access to BSW’s innovative products and dedicated training for all BSW products, including fencing and landscaping, and the IRO and Alchemy ranges. Ideal for those working within landscaping, contractor and construction roles, the Accredited Installer Scheme will see members listed as approved installers on the BSW website, and members will reap the benefits of an exclusive rewards system – these reward points equate to money off with their local merchants. Alongside their listing as an accredited installer, members can access technical support from the BSW team. They will receive local job referrals, giving them a competitive advantage as a trusted installer, and expertise recommended by BSW. John Roberts, Owner of Greentop Landscapes and Design, was the first member of BSW’s Accredited Installer Scheme. John said: “I’m delighted to be a part of BSW’s Accredited Installer Scheme and it sets the standard for the timber industry. It’s a great opportunity for us landscapers and it’ll help us to secure jobs in the future. The benefits of joining the scheme are endless and I’m chuffed to be a BSW Accredited Installer.” Sian Moreton, AIS Project Manager and National Sales Manager, at BSW said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to launch the new BSW Accredited Installer Scheme. This is something we have been perfecting for a while now and we really believe that by working hand in hand with all our fantastic installers as well as our network of suppliers we can help grow all our businesses together. “The new scheme is an amazing opportunity for landscapers to grow their job opportunities all while gaining an in-depth knowledge and working with some of our award-winning timber products.” The Accredited Installer Scheme is already live on the BSW website, and members can sign up for free today. To sign up to the scheme, or to find out more information, simply visit: www.bsw.co.uk/installers
Two tech companies have joined forces to create a new turnstile with an in-built software system to improve safety and security on construction sites across the UK and Ireland. Security technology company Envision Intelligent Solutions, which also has offices in Northern Ireland, England and the USA, teamed up with software development firm NTD (North Time and Data) to launch the latest development of their bespoke security turnstile that uses facial recognition technology and records temperatures to help ensure a Covid-free workspace. The Gateway Turnstile, which is manufactured by Envision, incorporates a new cloud-based software system that links directly to the company’s payroll and HR systems. The first turnstile with the new cloud-based software has rolled off the production line and has been shipped to a large building site in Chepstow in Wales for construction fit-out company Beacons Business Interiors (Bbi Group). Philip Murdock, Envision IS Managing Director said: “Our clients in the construction industry asked for a bespoke security system that incorporated facial and thermal access readers with a time and attendance system, which is completely cloud networked. During the pandemic, they needed a contactless product that could link back to their head office and provide the data in real time.” Amanda Campbell Envision IS Commercial Director added: “Envision moved quickly to get contactless turnstiles to the marketplace to support construction companies to keep sites open and personnel safe.” Envision partnered with NTD to create the cloud software for the new turnstiles that gave construction companies improved security and communications between the sites and their head offices. NTD adapted its successful NT Pro Workforce Management System to the requirements of the construction industry. NTD Managing Director Stephen Brown explained: “The Biometric Facial Recognition Terminals and NT Pro Software not only record the time and date of an employee coming onto a construction site, but it also takes their temperature and alerts management if an employee has a high temperature. We believe that with this partnership, there will be a well-structured and user-friendly system that makes it easy for smooth operations and overall profit maximization.” The software comes with modules that are particularly useful to construction site security. For example, it allows companies to upload CSR/CSCS qualifications and gives access to personnel training files that can all be viewed from the live dashboard ensuring health and safety qualifications are up to date. Additionally, the software provides full job costing, financial reporting and statistics. The first turnstile was shipped to commercial fit-out specialists Bbi Group, which design, fit-out and refurbish commercial premises across the UK. The company has secured a contract to completely refurbish a 20,000m2 storage warehouse in Chepstow and will have approximately 100 people working on site over the 13-month period. Dave Bastier from Bbi said the company chose the Envision Gateway turnstile as it needed an efficient means to control access to and from site that would not cause an issue with social distancing and contamination of touch surfaces. He said: “The Envision Gateway has been positioned between the car park and the principal entrance to site and provided the perfect solution to that need. Training and backup for our site administrator has also been excellent.” For more information on the Gateway Turnstile go to www.envision-is.co.uk
John Wesley Hyatt succeeded in creating celluloid in 1870 and only two years later also invented injection molding, though it was very limited. It wasn’t until WWII came with unique challenges that James R W Hendry stepped up to deliver the world’s first screw injection machine. With this invention, metal components and plastic ones finally melded as one. But it’s not easy to combine molded plastics with metal inserts. Not just any metal insert will do. How can you choose the right one for your project? Keep reading to find out. When to Use Metal Inserts Metal inserts are used on a variety of molded plastics and other soft materials. Other applications for metal inserts are thin-wall products and brittle products. Whenever you have a base material that permanently deforms if overtightened, metal inserts are a good way around the problem. Threaded inserts are the most common form of metal insert used. Threaded Metal Inserts for Molded Plastics Common materials used in metal inserts for molded plastic are brass, aluminum, and stainless steel. They also are ultrasonic, thermal, molded-in, and press-in types. What is remarkable about threaded inserts, aside from their versatility, is the range of sizes, textures, and shapes they can come in to suit almost any need. E-Z LOK threaded inserts for plastic are some of the best quality, size range, type, shape, and material inserts around. What Type of Insert Should I Use? Every project is different, so you should weigh the pros and cons of using particular insert types. They’re made for specific purposes, applications, and plastic materials. Press-in inserts are installed in pre-drilled or cored holes. They’re designed for both thermoplastics and thermoset. This versatility makes them ideal in situations like 3D printing. Aside from molded-in inserts, press-in inserts tend to be a good choice with thermoset. Ultrasonic inserts are installed using a high-frequency vibration tool that causes the plastic to soften. Once it cools, the insert is permanently fixed. Similar to this is “heat staking.” The insert goes into the material using a mounting hole with a thermal press. Like with ultrasonic inserts, when the plastic cools it’s permanently in place. There are pros and cons between the two, despite their similarity in reforming plastic using heat. The Difference Between Thermoset and Thermoplastic Thermoset plastics include polyurethane, melamine, polyester, fiberglass, and other resin-injected materials. Common thermoplastics include acrylic, polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and nylon. For thermoset plastics, press-in, self-tapping, and mold-in metal inserts are best. Heat staking and ultrasonic aren’t suitable for thermoset plastics. On the other hand, they may be the best option for thermoplastic. Thermoset plastic burns rather than melts, which is the main problem between thermal insertion and thermoset plastic. Metal Inserts for Molded Plastics: The Right Choice The world of molded plastics needs metal inserts. Plastic may be one of the most useful inventions of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, but it can’t do everything. Now that you know how to choose the right metal insert for your plastic injection molding project, you may have other questions. Don’t worry, we have you covered with more manufacturing tips. Keep browsing to find more articles to get you through whatever you’re facing in your project.
Over the past few decades, businesses and individuals have been subjected to increased scrutiny by government and regulatory agencies. Over a seemingly typical course of operations, issues may arise that could potentially lead to fraud and abuse allegations. When auditors begin to arrive and investigate, it is best to have a white-collar defense team right by your side. Even if a company has not committed any wrongdoing, news of the investigation can lead to outside scrutiny, potentially causing tremendous obstacles. With an experienced white-collar defense team, a company or individual may be able to mitigate these issues, avoid additional problems, and ensure that any investigation runs as smoothly as possible. What Are Common White Collar Crimes? White-collar crime is an umbrella term used to describe a wide variety of nonviolent crimes generally committed in commercial settings for financial gains. A few examples of white-collar crimes are: Antitrust violations. Antitrust rules and regulations are set in place to protect competition within the marketplace. Examples of antitrust violations include price-fixing and bid-rigging. Bribery. Bribery occurs when there is corrupt solicitation, acceptance, or transfer of any item of value in exchange for a means of influencing the actions of an individual who holds a public or legal duty. Credit card fraud. The United States has the highest rate of credit card fraud out of any other country in the world. Credit card fraud takes place when there is unauthorized utilization of another’s credit card information. Insider trading. Insider trading happens when an individual uses nonpublic or confidential information to trade a company’s stocks or other securities. Insurance fraud. Insurance fraud occurs when a duplicitous act is performed to obtain improper payment from an insurer. Money laundering. Money laundering is a financial transaction scheme that aims to hide the identity, source, and destination of unlawfully obtained funds. One of the most common types of money laundering is tax evasion. Securities fraud. Securities fraud involves theft through market manipulation, theft from securities accounts, and wire fraud. Tax evasion. Tax evasion schemes are used as a means of avoiding tax payments. This typically takes place when an individual or company misrepresents their income to the Internal Revenue Service. Are White Collar Crimes Criminal Or Civil? The potential punishment for committing a white-collar crime is particularly harsh, as it can potentially involve both civil and criminal penalties. Although, the majority of white-collar crimes lead to civil lawsuits. These lawsuits can be brought by the federal government, state government, or the victims of the offense. In addition to civil cases, defendants may find themselves facing criminal charges. After the FBI, SEC, NASD, and other applicable authorities investigate, charges are brought by federal prosecutors against the business or individual. With the stakes high, having a white-collar criminal defense team may help a company or individual avoid hefty fines and extensive prison sentences. In fact, in many cases, regulatory bodies may choose to settle a white-collar case prematurely in an effort to avoid draining financial resources in prosecuting futile actions. This most commonly takes place in non-criminal white-collar proceedings. Bottom line: While white-collar crimes can be both criminal and civil, the majority are civil, and many cases are settled outside of court.
Connected Places Catapult has brought together Yorkshire Housing and Vantage UAV as part of the Government Drone Pathfinder Catalyst Programme. The programme is sponsored by the Department for Transport (DfT), and supported by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Together we aim to accelerate the safe adoption of drones across UK business sectors by engaging with industries and showcase the benefits of integrating drone services into existing workflow. Drones are not new to property management but, despite their benefits, drones are not yet widely used across industries. This collaboration with Yorkshire Housing aims to catalyse step-change improvements and provide the evidence to encourage more use of drones to drive safety, productivity, and efficiency for other housing providers. For example, a drone building inspection can offer faster diagnosis and improved service for maintenance repairs at customer properties. Often the management, repair and maintenance of properties are major costs to housing providers. Traditionally physical inspections at height use scaffolding or mobile work platforms to inspect the condition of properties. These can be labour intensive and expensive to set up. Depending on the location, they can also result in disruption, intrusion, and security issues with unauthorised access. This is where drones come into their own, improving safety and productivity by providing visual access to difficult to reach and hazardous spaces, reducing the use of elevated work platforms. Drones can capture high-quality aerial imaging and 3D models. This leads to quicker and more effective diagnosis whilst saving the cost of inspection expenditure and reducing disruption for customers. Ultimately, drones can support more targeted maintenance and move towards a more preventative maintenance regime in the long term. Aviation Minister, Robert Courts said: “We’re pioneering a golden age of aviation innovation in which drones will play a huge role in not only transforming the future of transport but providing solutions to global issues. Yorkshire Housing’s trial is the latest in a string of exciting new trials which harness the benefits of drones to provide quicker, cheaper and more effective services for the public.” Commenting on the programme, Andy Gamble, Executive Director Growth & Assets at Yorkshire Housing, said: “It’s really exciting to play a part in the national Drone Pathfinder Catalyst Programme. Yorkshire Housing look after some 18,000 properties across Yorkshire, so drones offer us a real opportunity to improve our service. Not only does it make real savings by reducing the need for expensive scaffolding and using heavy machinery to carry safety checks, but it also means our customers can have problems at their homes diagnosed and fixed far sooner.” Hannah Tew, Director of Air Mobility, Connected Places Catapult said: “We are delighted to be leading the Drone Pathfinder Catalyst programme on behalf of the Department for Transport and our first demonstration with Yorkshire Housing and Vantage UAV has really shown how drones can be adopted in different sectors to improve existing services.” Many drone solution service providers are already available on the market, which is expected to grow significantly over the next few years. They can provide end-to-end services even for organisations with little or no experience of using drones. The results from the demonstration with Yorkshire Housing will be published towards to end of this month and showcased in a webinar on the 29th June. Find out more by registering for Driving productivity using drones in the Housing Sector webinar co-hosted by Connected Places Catapult and Disruptive Innovators Network.
Plans for 73 new high quality homes in Sheffield will complete a memorable circle for two men involved in removing properties from the site over a decade ago. Steve Birch, then working with the council’s housing department, was involved with local Cllr. Tony Damms, in finding better homes for those living on the site. The 1950s pre-fabricated Malthouses homes, that once stood in Mansel Crescent, Mansel Road and Mansel Avenue, Parson Cross, were built as part of a national drive to develop large numbers of new homes after the second world war. The temporary properties were approaching the end of their safe life and were no longer fit for habitation in the long term. Whilst Cllr. Damms still represents the Southey Ward on Sheffield City Council, Steve is now Interim Project Director with Sheffield Housing Company (SHC), a joint venture company established by the council with private sector construction partner Keepmoat Homes and Great Places Housing Group, to deliver regeneration projects on 23 sites around the city. This month the company has applied for permission to build new homes on the Malthouses site, as part of a 15-year plan to deliver 2,300 spacious, high quality and adaptable homes for sale and rent in Sheffield. Steve said: “This area is significant to me as, when I worked in housing regeneration at the council, I spent a lot of time supporting the residents who lived in the prefabricated properties to find new, suitable homes. It is rewarding to now be involved in plans which will help to revive the area and if the planning application is successful, bring much needed housing to this part of Parson Cross.” Councillor Paul Wood, Executive Member for Housing, Roads and Waste Management said: “This is another important step in Sheffield’s journey towards providing much needed new homes for Sheffield families. We’re very pleased to see these plans for this area of the city and it’s so good to see that currently underused land will be used for this development.” Once complete, the Malthouses site would offer a mixture of two to four bedroomed homes. At present these are all expected to be for private sale to address a shortfall in the neighbourhood, though SHC continues to consider options to deliver affordable homes where possible. Due to current restrictions regarding public consultation events and gatherings, SHC is initially inviting local residents to comment on or ask questions about the plans by emailing customerservices@sheffieldhousingcompany.co.uk or visiting its Facebook and Twitter pages SheffieldHousingCompany @Sheff_HousingCo. However, other means of engagement during the planning process are being explored, including public face-to-face drop-in sessions, if safe to do so. An image of the new homes is available on the SHC website www.sheffieldhousingcompany.co.uk/home/developments/?id=2433&Malthouses Click the PDF icon towards the top right of the page to see the development layout. In addition, the application, once validated by the council, will also be available to view by visiting www.sheffield.gov.uk scrolling down to the planning and development tab, then the search tab, scrolling again to search, view of comment and down again to enter the reference number – 21/02598/FUL. Since it commenced building, six years ago, SHC has completed nearly 1,000 homes across the city, around 80% of which have been sold to first time buyers and families. It has created 75 apprenticeships, over 800 jobs and spent more than £80 million with local supply businesses. Over £50,000 has been pledged to public art and community initiatives; £20,000 has been spent supporting local schools and backing for open pathways to work for students, while university links provide graduates with work experience. There has been sponsorship for, or attendance at, many community events.
Matrix Networks has been appointed by Goodman to design and install multi-utility connections for the new Purfleet 338 logistics development at Purfleet Commercial Park in Thurrock. The Independent Connections Provider has been commissioned by its long-standing client following a competitive tender process to supply electricity, gas and water connections for the eight-hectare site located within half a mile of junction 30/31 of the M25. Matrix Networks will be installing a 11kV, 4MVA metered electricity supply, medium pressure gas main and a 1l/s water supply for the new commercial park, which will comprise 338,267 sq ft of strategically-located logistics space. The highly sustainable development will be delivered to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification and will include roof-mounted solar photovoltaics (PV), solar thermal hot water, rainwater harvesting, infrastructure for electric vehicle fleets and smart metering, helping customers to achieve energy and cost savings. Rob Sparkes, Matrix Networks Group CEO, said: “We’ve worked with Goodman since we were first established in 2007. We value our long-standing relationship with them and continue to work hard to deliver on our promises, working closely with their consultant team. “Purfleet 338 is a fantastic win for us, and we’re pleased to be associated with a development which so clearly has sustainability at its heart. While we’re responsible for installing the multi-utility infrastructure required to bring this development to life, we’ll be doing so in the knowledge that on-site energy consumption will be considered by all users.” George Glennie, Development Director Goodman UK, added: “Purfleet 338 represents our commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure for a growing industrial and logistics market. “Designed for those operating across e-commerce, retail and third-party logistics, where connectivity is crucial in distributing products to increasingly time sensitive consumers, it will provide high-quality and well-located space to serve customers across London and the South East.” Matrix Networks is due to start utility-infrastructure works on site in the Summer, working to achieve energisation by Spring 2022. www.matrixnetworks.co.uk @matrix_networks