Kenneth Booth

Lifting equipment: Your three-point checklist for success

No matter how long ago you took your test, there are three little words that probably still influence your driving to this very day: mirror-signal-manoeuvre. Short and sweet, they provide a helpful way of remembering what you need to do to keep yourself (and others) safe on the road. When

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Kilwaughter Minerals announces new Sales Director

Leading quarry and mineral processor Kilwaughter Minerals Limited has appointed a new Sales Director as part of a major growth strategy as the economy emerges from the coronavirus pandemic. David Grace joins the County Antrim headquartered company having previously worked at director level for a leading company in the construction

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A Guide to Buying Bladeless Tower Fans

Hot summers necessitate the installation of a proper cooling system in your house. If you cannot install an air conditioner, fans are the next suitable option. You might find it impractical to install an AC because it can be quite expensive. If you’re renting your house, the agreement may prohibit

Read More »

What Are the Right Steps to Follow When Selling Your Home?

Poway has around 17,000 households, and home prices in the city have increased by up to 37% since the past year. It’s essential to ensure that you follow the proper steps to sell your home, even though it’s relatively easy to sell a home in Poway. An effective home selling

Read More »

Evergreen Flooring Designs That are Here to Stay

Today’s homeowners are open to a plethora of designs when it comes to flooring. Updating your floor will go a long way to boost your property value significantly. It can also help you make a bold statement whether you desire a minimalistic or eclectic look.  There is a high demand

Read More »

Carbon & Power Trading Coming of Age for Energy Industry

Trading power and carbon presents on opportunity for the energy industry to capitalise on high-growth, high-value markets, in addition to the obvious benefits presented by the move to renewable, sustainable, Earth-friendly generation and decarbonisation solutions. Like any other, carbon emissions—as well as electricity—can be considered a specification for commodities and

Read More »

BARINGS SIGNS HSBC UK AT LANDMARK, MANCHESTER

Barings Real Estate, one of the world’s largest diversified real estate investment managers, and Hana, a brand by leading workplace provider Industrious, have secured HSBC UK who will occupy part of the Flex centre of the Landmark office development in Manchester. HSBC UK has leased 10,300 sq ft of flexible

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Barhale secures double win to enhance Lincolnshire flood resilience

Barhale has landed a duo of new contracts from South Holland Internal Drainage Board (IDB) to install, reinforce and renovate key drainage works in Lincolnshire. The infrastructure and civil engineering specialist will undertake works at two locations across the southern part of the county: First, at Fleet Haven Pumping Station,

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Latest Issue
Issue 343 : Aug 2026

Kenneth Booth

Lifting equipment: Your three-point checklist for success

No matter how long ago you took your test, there are three little words that probably still influence your driving to this very day: mirror-signal-manoeuvre. Short and sweet, they provide a helpful way of remembering what you need to do to keep yourself (and others) safe on the road. When it comes to lifting and handling, safety is an equally major concern, and getting that right all starts with good planning. Selecting the right equipment, for example, is a crucial part of minimising your safety risk. At Alliance Tool Hire we’ve developed a quick three-point lifting checklist to help. It might not get etched into your memory quite like mirror-signal-manoeuvre, but we hope it’s a useful way of ensuring you get exactly what you need to get the job done safely. Capability It’s essential that the equipment you employ can comfortably cope with the load in question. With a range of products that stretches from 500kg hand chain blocks to 3 tonne electric chain hoists and large-scale 50-tonne modular lifting beams, Alliance can help you specify the right equipment for loads of practically every weight and type. Elevation Our most popular hire items are the SLA range of manual hoists, typically used for lifting support beams or ducting into place. But the precise model you need will depend not just on the load but also on the Height of Lift (HOL). The SLA10, for example, delivers a Safe Working Load (SWL) of 454kg and a lifting height of 3m, while the SLA25 offers a SWL of 295kg and a lifting height of 7.5m. Condition You need to be fully confident that the equipment you are using is not only fit for purpose, but in a fit and proper condition. At Alliance Tool Hire, all our lifting equipment – whether hire or sale – comes with a six-month Report Of Thorough Examination (ROTE) certificate to give you complete peace of mind. Get in touch with us today to find out more about the lifting and handling products available from Alliance Tool Hire, and how we can deliver the right mix of Capability-Elevation-Condition for your lifting application. Find your nearest Alliance Tool Hire branch and speak to our friendly and experienced team by clicking here. To view our full range of lifting and handling products, click here.  Connect with us onLinkedIn and Facebook.

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Kilwaughter Minerals announces new Sales Director

Leading quarry and mineral processor Kilwaughter Minerals Limited has appointed a new Sales Director as part of a major growth strategy as the economy emerges from the coronavirus pandemic. David Grace joins the County Antrim headquartered company having previously worked at director level for a leading company in the construction industry. He will have responsibility for leading the sales and technical sales functions across Kilwaughter’s portfolio of brands including K Rend, K Systems and Kilwaughter Lime. David commented: “I’m looking forward to meeting our customers and getting closer to the market segments. “The construction sector particularly has had some recent challenges, however I’m confident that the team and the innovative solutions from Kilwaughter’s R&D department will continue to drive us forward and bring opportunities both for our customers and the company.” Gary Wilmot, Chief Executive, Kilwaughter Minerals added: “It is a pleasure to welcome David to the Management Board as we experience a period of sustained growth.   “With a wealth of experience in the construction industry, David has worked on specification led sales, with specialist contractors and the building materials merchant and distribution network. “His proven track record of success in delivering revenue and margin growth and a passion for developing high performing teams makes David an exceptional addition to the Kilwaughter team.” David’s appointment follows recent changes to Kilwaughter’s company structure with the creation of a new Business Development function led by Caroline Rowley, who has also joined the Management Board. The Business Development team has been established with a clear and ambitious strategic focus to drive product and market development through sectoral knowledge and continual innovation.

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A Guide to Buying Bladeless Tower Fans

Hot summers necessitate the installation of a proper cooling system in your house. If you cannot install an air conditioner, fans are the next suitable option. You might find it impractical to install an AC because it can be quite expensive. If you’re renting your house, the agreement may prohibit you from installing an AC. Either way, a bladeless fan is an excellent option for total cooling during the summer months, during which temperatures reached record levels just last year. There are many innovative designs and models in the market that you must consider before choosing a fan. With an advanced air multiplying technology, bladeless tower fans, for example, are an extremely innovative cooling solution suitable for all spaces. Types of Fans to Consider Before you choose a particular fan for your house, there are some options that you must be aware of. The different types of fans are as follows: Pedestal Fans: Pedestal fans are pretty large and have big blades that help even dispersion. The height of these fans can generally be adjusted, making them quite useful. They have been the classic choice for years and are a good cooling solution. Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans are the most common type of fans available in the market and are mostly used to seeing. They are attached to the ceiling and do not cause any obstruction or take up space in the room. They provide uniform cooling all around the room, making them another great choice. Desk Fans: For a more concentrated source of cooling, desk fans are a perfect choice. If you do not want something as big as a pedestal fan because you do not have enough space in the room but want a direct air source, desk fans are a perfect choice. You can easily set them on a flat surface and enjoy the cool breeze. Tower Fans: Tower fans are the most innovative and modern version of fans in the market. These are typically bladeless fans with various features, much more than what you get in a standard pedestal fan. As the name suggests, tower fans are much sleeker and hence fit even in a cramped space. Although they are quite narrow, they provide strong output, making them an ideal solution. How do Bladeless Tower Fans Work Bladeless tower fans are similar to traditional oscillating fans, except that bladeless fans offer better air circulation and distribution. The fans pull the air using the side vents and spin it before circulating the cool air through the front. How to Buy Tower Fans Tower fans are very new to the market and are only produced by a few companies. These fans are very innovative and are popularly known as bladeless fans. When you buy a tower fan, you will enjoy the various features that come packed with them. When purchasing a tower fan, make sure to consider the following factors for a successful purchase: Timer: You will find several tower fans that come with a timer function. This lets you set a timer for how long you want to run the fan. They usually provide an option to set a timer for up to 24 hours. They might even come with a sleep timer that automatically switches off the fan after you fall asleep. Oscillating head: An oscillating head is essential for ensuring that the airflow is well-distributed, thus allowing them to cool large spaces in a short while. You need a good rate of oscillation if you share your room with another person. Heating capabilities: Some tower fans also have excellent heat settings. This way, you can use the fan even during the winter season to stay warm and comfortable. Remote Control: Just like an AC, there are tower fans that come with a remote control. This means that you can switch your fan on and off without having to leave your bed and control other settings without having to get close to it. Why Choose Bladeless Fans Bladeless fans are nothing like the old-school fans. Since their release in the market, these fans have garnered much attention and excitement from tech enthusiasts and homeowners alike. These “bladeless” fans do have blades. In reality, it is just that they remain hidden from sight. They channel high-velocity smooth air, and the airflow is magnificent. These fans are best suited for families with children as the lack of visible blades ensures better safety. They are also much easier to clean and come with enhanced functions. However, tower fans are more expensive than your regular pedestal fans. Tower fans are truly a fascinating opportunity for those looking for a modern and out-of-the-box cooling solution. They come with much better features and are perfectly suitable for houses with smaller spaces!

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What Are the Right Steps to Follow When Selling Your Home?

Poway has around 17,000 households, and home prices in the city have increased by up to 37% since the past year. It’s essential to ensure that you follow the proper steps to sell your home, even though it’s relatively easy to sell a home in Poway. An effective home selling plan can help you avoid potential legal issues and ensure that you don’t sustain a financial loss. A certified agent specializing in Poway real estate can educate you on the professional and legal intricacies of the home selling process and help you choose the right buyer. Assess the Condition of Your House The median value of a Poway home is around $1 million. Home prices in Poway are much higher than in other areas in cities in the US. When buyers are compelled to pay such high prices for a house, they also tend to be more analytical about the condition of your home and the distinct features of your home. A critical assessment of your home will help reveal any damages or defects in your home.  The assessment will also help reveal any scope for improvement before the selling process begins. It’s recommended you seek the help of your real estate agent to carry out the home assessment. Real estate agents have clarity on what buyers expect. Your agent could suggest ways to increase the value of your home with minor alternations or renovations. You may also consider painting your home, attending to any plumbing or wiring issues, and other home maintenance requirements before putting your house up for sale. Fix a Price for Your Home There are several factors you will have to consider to fix a price for your home. A real estate expert can help you fix a competitive price of your home. Besides the size and condition of the house, home sellers will also have to consider the real estate rates of similar homes in the neighborhood. High prices may drive away potential buyers. Hence, it’s critical to ensure that you settle on a reasonable price.  You may also want to cover the cost of sale-related home renovations and improvements in the price. If the price does not cover the initial cost of buying the house and the cost of further improvements, you will sustain a loss. While settling for a lower price is inevitable in some real estate markets, Poway has a thriving real estate market that offers several opportunities to home sellers.  Find Legal and Financial Help Your real estate agent will put you in touch with lawyers, lenders, and other experts who will help you with the home selling process. You will need help with several aspects, like the title deed and the transfer deed. You will also need approvals and certifications from relevant authorities to proceed with the sale. Expert lawyers can educate you on the legal requirements you need to follow.  You may need documentation to prove that you are the actual owner of the home you are selling. You may also need to interact and negotiate with the prospective buyer’s real estate title company and real estate agent. A comprehensive assessment of all relevant documents will help you identify any pending payments or other pending liabilities associated with the house. Buyers may be reluctant to buy a house that has pending mortgage payments. A financial analyst can help you find ways to deal with any pending liabilities or payments. It’s also vital to ensure that you get your home insurance documents and agreements reviewed by your insurance agent or lawyer.  Shortlist Potential Buyers If you have several offers on your home, it’s imperative to assess all the potential buyers and shortlist the ones you find most reliable. You may want to speak to the buyers directly and ask your real estate agent to interact with them. It’s also essential to study the financial credibility of the buyers to ensure they are capable of paying for the home. Experts recommend doing a thorough background check of the buyers you shortlist. This will help eliminate the possibility of falling prey to real estate scams. Choose the Right Buyer An expert realtor who works in the Poway real estate market can help you finalize the right buyer and handle all the required closing obligations. Your agent will also help you identify the right time for the sale. It’s vital to sell your home when market rates are high to guarantee maximum profits from the sale. Collaborating with the right Poway real estate agent is crucial to ensuring that the home selling process is smooth and hassle-free. It is also essential to prepare and stage your home for sale. A thorough home appraisal by real estate experts will help you fix the right price for your home.

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Evergreen Flooring Designs That are Here to Stay

Today’s homeowners are open to a plethora of designs when it comes to flooring. Updating your floor will go a long way to boost your property value significantly. It can also help you make a bold statement whether you desire a minimalistic or eclectic look.  There is a high demand for sustainable and affordable flooring options than in the past few decades. Consequently, manufacturers are not leaving any stone unturned to meet the growing needs of consumers.  The important factors you need to consider before choosing any flooring style include your budget, safety, needs, and climate. Some flooring designs have gone into extinction, while the following remains timeless and will transform your interior.  Herringbone flooring  This flooring trend has gained widespread popularity over the years. The herringbone pattern is unique and will complement other accessories in your home. It’s suitable for the entryway, kitchen, bathroom, and dining hall.  Herringbone flooring comes in different sizes, tones, and formats. It can bring interest and depth into any room when you play around with texture. This type of flooring is budget-friendly, easy to maintain, and will give your home a modern look.  Wood flooring  Wood flooring has always been a constant trend year in and out. It’s useful for both personal and commercial property. Wood flooring is the ideal choice for individuals who want to take a break from modern living and embrace a rustic look in their homes.  This flooring often undergoes staining to get a specific finish and it’s easy to maintain. The different types include bleached and blanched wood, fumed wood, and distressed wood.  Laminate flooring  Laminate flooring is among the flooring that will stand the test of time in this decade and beyond. It can mimic materials such as stone, tile, or wood.  Laminate flooring now has the look and feel of these materials and features different types of finishes. Technological advancement is playing a major role in its design. Vinyl flooring  Vinyl flooring is gradually finding its way into modern homes. It is warm and comfortable to the feet. This flooring comes in different varieties such as tiles, sheets, and planks. Some designs can mirror the look of tiles and wood.  Vinyl flooring is water-resistant and perfect for areas with high traffic and the living room, which serves as a hub for entertaining guests. It is affordable, easy to maintain, and will take several years before fading or denting. Installing vinyl flooring is hassle-free too.  Cool tones flooring  Modern homes tend to have smaller spaces. Given this, most people prefer light-colored flooring as it can make their space appear bigger and brighter. Taking this approach can help you design a cozy space for better relaxation. The good thing is that your floor won’t look bland with this flooring option.  These are just some of the hottest flooring designs right now. The choices out there can be overwhelming, and homeowners may not know where to start. Nevertheless, Floors Direct will consider the factors that matter to you, offer insights, and help you arrive at the best decision for your floor. 

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Carbon & Power Trading Coming of Age for Energy Industry

Trading power and carbon presents on opportunity for the energy industry to capitalise on high-growth, high-value markets, in addition to the obvious benefits presented by the move to renewable, sustainable, Earth-friendly generation and decarbonisation solutions. Like any other, carbon emissions—as well as electricity—can be considered a specification for commodities and the industry is experiencing a development, acquisition, and consolidation “boom” right now. Nord Pool exchange links Norway and Britain Nord Pool, Europe’s leading power market has announced that it has received an operating license to host day-ahead power trading auctions for the first electricity cable linking Norway and Britain from this autumn, Norway’s Energy Regulatory Authority (NVE-RME) said. Much the same in principle as any British trade platform, Nord Pool offers day-ahead and intraday trading, clearing, and settlement to customers regardless of size or location. 360 companies from 20 countries trade on Nord Pool’s markets and the concession allows Nord Pool to run auctions for delivery over the new 1,400 megawatt (MW) North Sea Link cable once trial operations begin on Oct. 1. US private equity firm acquires UK renewable energy firm Anesco On the back of this news comes that of the acquisition by Ara Partners, an industrial decarbonisation-focused private equity firm, of Anesco Holdings, a UK market leader in renewable energy that develops, designs, and manages the construction, maintenance, and market optimisation of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Anesco has developed and constructed more than 115 solar farms and energy storage facilities—including the UK’s first solar farm free from subsidies—while its operations and maintenance service now has close to 1.2 gigawatt (GW) of renewable assets under management. Charles Cherington, co-founder and managing partner of Ara Partners, said, “Our focus is on accelerating decarbonisation by investing in and building ambitious companies such as Anesco that have energy efficiency and sustainability at their heart.” Mark Futyan, who joined Anesco as CEO in 2020, will continue to lead the business with the support of the senior management team. “This is a pivotal moment for Anesco, as we gear up to deliver the next wave of large scale, subsidy-free solar and energy storage capacity,” he said. Ara Partners invests in the industrial and manufacturing, chemicals and materials, energy efficiency and green fuels and food and agriculture sectors, seeking to build businesses that are focused on sustainability and environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles. Ara Partners and Anesco are considered ideal partners owing to their strong focus on the services business model and commitment to supporting the net zero energy transition.

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Improve Your Construction Business For Clients With These Steps

Are you interested in pushing your construction business to new heights? If so, then you need to improve it for your clients. Here are some key options to consider.  Give Them More Choice First, you need to think about giving them more choice and more control over a project that you take on. When a client comes to you, they probably have an idea of that type of project that they are looking to create. You should be ready to bring this idea to fruition and keep their concept intact as much as possible. You might want to give them choices in other areas too such as providing them with more ways that they can pay for your services. For instance, you might want to let them pay with cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or Ethereum Classic. What is Ethereum Classic (ETC)? It’s one of the most valuable cryptos on the market today and you will be surprised how many businesses accept it as a form of payment.  Improve Your Connections  When clients use your services, they want to feel connected to your business. They want to receive regular updates and ensure that you are constantly giving them progress reports on a project that you are working on. If you take this step, you can all but guarantee that clients will have a positive experience. You might even earn a key referral that could provide you with a future boost on the market. One of the ways that you can improve connectivity in your business is by ensuring that you invest in a cloud server. A cloud server will allow you to transfer information and docs to clients remotely, in real time. They can sign a document digitally in seconds and this is going to speed everything up at the same time.  Make Your Business More Efficient  Next, you should focus on ensuring that your construction business is as efficient as possible. In doing so, you can guarantee that you will be able to cut the costs and therefore offer your clients far better rates for your services which is always going to be hugely beneficial. Furthermore, clients are often interested in doing their part to help the environment. They want to know that they are using companies that do not have massive carbon footprints that jeopardise their commitment here.  Explore New Tech Options  Finally, you might want to think about the latest technology available on the market that you could use to improve the service that you provide to your clients. A key example of this would be virtual reality. While VR is still a rapidly evolving type of tech, it’s already being used by larger construction businesses. It gives clients a way to visualise the finished building or project in a way that is highly accessible and immersive. It could help you land a major contract with a client over a competitor that they might have been considering at the same time.  We hope this helps you understand everything that you need to think about when improving your construction business for your clients, reshaping what you can offer them on the market. 

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Papa John’s set to open multiple outlets as it anticipates sizzling summer

Pizza franchise Papa John’s has opened six new stores in locations across the UK in the past month and aims to keep adding to the momentum as the summer heats up. Swinton in Manchester, Daventry, Market Harborough, Bradford, Brighouse in Yorkshire, and Totton in Hampshire are the latest towns to join its portfolio. Justin Gilbert, senior operations director at Papa John’s UK, said: “Our goal is to offer Papa John’s in more and more locations across the UK so our valued customers can enjoy their favourite pizza with family and friends, where and when suits them. Despite the challenges of the past year, sales for the new outlets are already strong and it seems we are set for a sizzling summer ahead. “The brand-new stores are all run by different multi-unit franchisees who are hungry to expand their portfolio of sites with our help and support. It’s a team effort to develop these new retail outlets and each new successful opening is the result of close collaboration between our franchisees and dedicated teams responsible for acquisition, construction, planning and marketing.” Mr Gilbert said the chain is expecting to open “multiple” outlets over the next couple of months, too. “As well as launching in high street locations, we are working on innovative initiatives to partner with a range of leading leisure venues, sports stadiums and holiday parks, looking to add a quality food proposition through a leading global brand. “Introducing Papa John’s is the chance to compliment an existing offering and add a further valuable revenue stream. Franchise options are flexible, from investing in a full Papa John’s store which can deliver to both venue visitors plus local community residents, to adding branded mobile delivery units serving customers at several sites on a resort.”

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BARINGS SIGNS HSBC UK AT LANDMARK, MANCHESTER

Barings Real Estate, one of the world’s largest diversified real estate investment managers, and Hana, a brand by leading workplace provider Industrious, have secured HSBC UK who will occupy part of the Flex centre of the Landmark office development in Manchester. HSBC UK has leased 10,300 sq ft of flexible space in the Hana by Industrious at St Peter’s Square centre located on the lower floors of Landmark. Barings entered into a management agreement in January this year with Hana, now part of Industrious, to design, build and operate a 32,000 sq ft premium flexible workspace within Landmark. HSBC UK’s lease comprises the majority of the second floor in Landmark and means that approximately 40% of the lettable space within Hana by Industrious at St Peter’s Square is now pre-let prior to its launch in September this year. HSBC UK is the fifth global occupier that Barings has secured at Landmark in recent months. In addition to the agreement with Hana, Barings secured Allianz Insurance, one of the largest general insurers in the UK who is relocating over 100 Commercial and Engineering Insurance colleagues from Piccadilly Gardens into the 10,883 sq ft first floor at Landmark later this year. Additionally, global professional services firm Grant Thornton agreed a 15 year lease to relocate its Manchester team into the 13,219 sq ft eleventh floor of Landmark and will take occupation of the space later this year upon completion of its fit-out. Change Please, the award-winning premium coffee company and social enterprise supporting people out of homelessness which has several worldwide outlets, will also operate the coffee and pastry bar within Landmark. HSBC UK, Allianz, Hana, Grant Thornton and Change Please will join global property company JLL who moved its Manchester team into the 14,004 sq ft 10th floor last year, representing JLL’s largest commercial office outside of London. Completed in 2020, the 180,000 sq ft award-winning Landmark development offers 14 floors of BREEAM Excellent and Wired Score Platinum certified, office space in Manchester City Centre. Barings’ focus on well-being, customer experience, sustainability and technological infrastructure at Landmark provides all-important facilities for existing and future tenants, including contactless technologies enabling touch-free movement within the building, a dedicated cycle storage and maintenance hub, high-quality showers and changing facilities, electric car charging spaces and Amazon lockers for package delivery and returns. Hana by Industrious at St Peter’s Square, the second Hana location in Manchester, will feature a number of private offices (Hana Team) that can accommodate between one and 300+ people. Each office comes with an array of branding options for occupiers, enterprise-grade technology and configurable layouts. Hana by Industrious at St Peter’s Square will also offer coworking space for solo professionals (Hana Share) and on-demand meeting space (Hana Meet) that can be let by the hour, day, or week. Ian Mayhew, Managing Director at Barings, said: “To have pre-let, in partnership with Hana by Industrious, nearly 40% of the flexible space within Landmark and secured another global occupier is a fantastic result. We have attracted six high-profile occupiers since the building completed, five of which having signed up during the pandemic demonstrating the demand for both traditional and flexible high quality office space. The flexible offering within Landmark means that we can be truly inclusive and offer solutions to a wide range of office requirements all within a sustainable, first class building in the city’s best location.” Jamie Hodari, CEO and Co-Founder of Industrious, said; “To see this level of demand in St. Peter’s Square at Hana by Industrious is extremely exciting, particularly pre-opening, and is further proof that flexible workplace solutions are at the center of the future of the office. We’re thrilled to provide an engaging workplace to HSBC UK and its team, which fits squarely within the growing demand we see from global occupiers looking to incorporate greater flexibility in their workplace strategy. We feel especially proud to do so in a best-in-class building like Landmark. We look forward to our continued partnership with Barings, serving customers like HSBC UK and others over the coming years.” Leasing agents on Landmark are CBRE, Colliers International and JLL. HSBC UK was advised by CBRE.

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Barhale secures double win to enhance Lincolnshire flood resilience

Barhale has landed a duo of new contracts from South Holland Internal Drainage Board (IDB) to install, reinforce and renovate key drainage works in Lincolnshire. The infrastructure and civil engineering specialist will undertake works at two locations across the southern part of the county: First, at Fleet Haven Pumping Station, Barhale will renovate the inlet, outfall and surge chamber. The station removes water collected by the drains to the sea and is essential for the protection of the surrounding land and villages which typically lies one metre below high sea level. Unusually, because of its location next to RAF Holbeach, the site will undergo “sweep and watch” protocols for unexploded ordnance before and during any excavation work. Second, a renovation programme at Westmere Pumping Station/Sluice will address the poor structural condition of the outfall into the River Nene, ensuring the continued operation of the station, which caters for the discharge of surface water from the village of Sutton Bridge and the surrounding agricultural area. Keven Stobbs, general manager at Barhale, explained that at Fleet Haven and Westmere the pumping stations are in the first line of defence for the low-lying land behind the seawall and both locations provide operational challenges. “We obviously have to work around the elements – not least a significant tidal range,” he said. “To ensure we deliver the works as quickly as possible, we are planning on using some innovative approaches. They will include installing a Portadam system at Fleet Haven Pumping Station and using a specially-designed scaffolding which can be submerged at high tides at Westmere Pumping Station.” Barhale regional director James Haddon sees the company’s selection for both South Holland IDB contracts as an endorsement of its expertise and reputation at a time when water management is a high priority. “Long-term changes to the climate will continue to place a greater burden on water infrastructure,” he said. “Only in the last 18 months have we seen the impact of storms Ciara and Dennis and it is vital that we make sure that we are in the right shape to deal with future challenges. “South Holland IDB is taking steps to improve the resilience of this important agricultural area and we are delighted to have been chosen as the partner to deliver their programme.”

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