Leading real estate developer, Graftongate, has committed to delivering a new £30 million advanced helicopter logistics hub on behalf of Italian aerospace giant, Leonardo. The 210,000 sq ft project in Yeovil, Somerset, will see the consolidation of eight existing warehouses into one all-encompassing logistics hub. The single-site logistics facility will
The CEO of a British technology training firm and tech think tank has warned of a looming crisis facing UK laboratories – in particular those at the forefront of Covid-19 testing – due to a massive shortage of qualified and skilled lab technicians. Andy Lord, CEO of Manchester head-quartered Credersi, a tech talent training incubator
The majority of homeowners in England remain unconcerned about a stamp duty holiday deadline dip in house prices, although a third would be deterred from selling should one materialise. That’s according to research from the homebuying platform, YesHomebuyers, who found that 83% were unphased about a potential cool in house
Birmingham-based residential property developer, Hanehouse Developments has brought forward plans for a new residential scheme and public realm in Bradford Street, Digbeth. The proposed scheme has been developed in consultation with Birmingham City Council and will look to advance a new public realm, beginning the process of connecting Lombard Street
ProSite is the digital logistics solution from GF Piping Systems. It helps reduce administrative efforts of ordering, reordering, and accounting of piping system components. In addition, it simplifies the stock management of installation projects, reducing the necessary workforce and related costs to ensure that a sustainable and efficient solution is
LEADING architecture practice GT3 Architects has created four new sector leads within its senior team to diversify and drive its core areas of expertise. As part of a wider restructure, which sees senior architects take more of ownership of projects, Paul Reed has become head of sport and leisure, Suzanne
Modern and contemporary furniture pieces are a must for creating welcoming spaces. Simplicity has been a recurring theme in modern furniture and décor pieces. This trend has undergone series of changes since it first surfaced in the late 1800s. It’s not surprising that many elements now come with minimal embellishments.
It is common that one of the main concerns to take into account when travelling is the hotel where you are going to stay, especially if you are going to stay for a long period of time. Clients tend to look for a hotel in accordance with their economic possibilities
A HISTORIC development in the West Midlands has moved one step closer to completion following a topping out ceremony held by contractor Clegg Construction. Located in Great Hampton Street, Birmingham on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter, the scheme comprises four different buildings, one of which is listed. The scheme includes
Crossrail has today handed over the Woolwich Elizabeth line station to Transport for London, following the successful delivery by Balfour Beatty; marking the fourth central London station to be transferred ahead of Trial Operations beginning later this year. Delivered alongside its design partners, Mott MacDonald, the revitalised station will ensure
Leading real estate developer, Graftongate, has committed to delivering a new £30 million advanced helicopter logistics hub on behalf of Italian aerospace giant, Leonardo. The 210,000 sq ft project in Yeovil, Somerset, will see the consolidation of eight existing warehouses into one all-encompassing logistics hub. The single-site logistics facility will help support Leonardo Helicopters’ global fleet through the warehousing of components and tooling in a state-of-the-art development, which has sustainability at its core. Its features include rainwater harvesting tanks for brown water services, full LED lighting throughout the facility and a heat recovery system in the main warehouse, which will be complemented by a modern office temperature control system. In addition, there will be a bank of electrical vehicle charging points. Graftongate will deliver the new development on a 35-year lease in partnership with a CBRE Investment Advisory retained pension fund. Leonardo’s logistics partner, Kuehne+Nagel, will operate the new facility under a ten-year logistics contract. Construction of the development will commence in August and is scheduled for practical completion in Q4 2022. Jamie Hockaday, Director at Graftongate, said: “We are very pleased to have collaborated with Leonardo Helicopters and Kuehne+Nagel to aid the delivery of the UK’s only onshore helicopter manufacturer.”
The CEO of a British technology training firm and tech think tank has warned of a looming crisis facing UK laboratories – in particular those at the forefront of Covid-19 testing – due to a massive shortage of qualified and skilled lab technicians. Andy Lord, CEO of Manchester head-quartered Credersi, a tech talent training incubator and think tank producing the data scientists, lab technicians and software specialists of tomorrow, believes the skills shortage could severely impact Covid testing laboratories – many of which are already at capacity and struggling to keep up with demand – in a matter of months. His comments come hot on the heels of the Prime Minister’s announcement last week, in which he set out plans to “cement the UK’s place as a science superpower”. Andy Lord, CEO of Credersi, said. “At the moment, there are simply not enough trained and skilled lab technicians and quality assurance (QA) technicians across the UK. This is a particularly acute problem within the Covid testing laboratory sector, which is struggling to keep up with the increasing demands on the testing system. Laboratories are understaffed and some are at crisis point; they simply cannot get enough lab technicians and QAs through the doors and into key roles. “As lockdown restrictions are lifted in areas such as travel, the level of Covid testing will begin to rise rapidly. At the same time, if we continue to have further variant outbreaks, this will put even greater pressure and strain on the testing system. This will put the laboratories under severe pressure and ultimately into a crisis situation. “This will result in test delays and a backlog in Covid tests being processed. The laboratories are a huge part of the UK’s armoury in tackling Covid, both with testing and vaccinations. “The Government and the Prime Minister need to commit funding from the new Office for Science & Technology Strategy and light the fuses of the tech training providers in the private sector to make technology accessible to all. “But most importantly, they need to allow the private sector to run with the baton and innovate a new generation of tech and lab-based talent, including data scientists.” As UK plc. navigates the unchartered waters of post Brexit, Andy Lord believes it is absolutely vital that we not only train an entire army of lab technicians, data scientists, and software devs and testers to lead UK plc., but ensure that the training they receive is fit for purpose, built by business for business and world-class. Credersi is not only developing future lab technicians, coders, testers and data scientists, but it is also doing it in a unique, immersive way using VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) technologies as a tech first in training campuses. It is converging and disrupting science and technology to make something truly unique. Credersi uses some of the best-in-class industry experts as lead instructors, all of whom are skilled practitioners in the subject matters that they teach. This enables the “talent of the future” to gain fluency and capability across many platforms with real-world simulations and exercises. The company also collaborates with leading professionals and industry experts through workshops, commercial client projects and industry think tanks. Credersi also plans to announce details of its think tank forum, through which it aims to bring experts from the worlds of science, data, technology, software and data analytics together to spark new ideas on disruptive technology and establish how Credersi can deliver that in unique tailored training programs for its tech talent incubator. Darren Coomer, an industry leading CIO & Founder of the tech and digital consulting firm The Strategy & Architecture (S&A) Group is co-founder and tech angel behind Credersi. He adds: “Manchester is the second fastest growing tech hub in Europe. We believe that, through establishing Credersi here, we can leverage the culture this great city has to help train and inspire the next generation of innovators, technicians, scientists and engineers that our economy, and indeed the world, is crying out for. If anything, Boris Johnson needs to provide even greater funding for the tech sector in places like Manchester, which is the tech powerhouse and future for UK plc. Manchester was an innovator in the industrial revolution and today it is doing the same, leading tech hub innovation alongside London on the global stage. “What we are doing with Credersi is not only disrupting education through our innovative training methods and technologies, but also converging curriculums such as science and tech to really meet the needs of individuals and industry. Our purpose is to train, inspire, incubate, develop and nurture, through our career alumni, some of the greatest minds and talents of the future. Alan Turing had long and established links with Manchester and the university, and we are looking to incubate and develop the Turings of the future; the code-breakers, vaccine developers, biological and cyber defenders, programmers and data scientists that can walk in his footsteps.” CEO Andy Lord added: “The more serious longer term issue is not just in providing the training and qualifications, but the innovation behind the tech training courses. More and more lab technicians, for example, will need to bolt on other complimentary skill sets, such as data analytics in lab testing. So, what you will get in effect is a lab technician who is also trained and qualified in key tech skills such as data analytics. This then expands the capability offering of a lab technician who can not only do lab-based testing, but also extrapolate the data sets, investigate and conclude the results. “By devising immersive training courses in tech, science and data analytics, we are also designing those courses, so they are ‘fit for industry’ and in sync with the actual needs and requirements of companies in this new, post-covid era, as opposed to giving them an irrelevant, outdated, off-the-shelf training package.” Janet Morris NED and former Director of Cambridge International Education – part of Cambridge University – which provides education programmes to over 10,000 schools around
The majority of homeowners in England remain unconcerned about a stamp duty holiday deadline dip in house prices, although a third would be deterred from selling should one materialise. That’s according to research from the homebuying platform, YesHomebuyers, who found that 83% were unphased about a potential cool in house prices now the initial stamp duty deadline is about to expire. When asked the same question with regard to the second and final deadline expiring in September, 82% remained unconcerned about a potential market cliff edge causing house prices to tumble, with just 4% stating they were very concerned. Yes Homebuyers then asked if a dip in property prices would deter homeowners from selling, with 32% stating it would, although again, 68% would still hit the market regardless. However, it may be the cyclical nature of the property market that is helping boost homeowner confidence in the face of a potential house price slump. 87% stated they had no plans to sell within the next two years, meaning any house price decline caused by the end of the stamp duty holiday is likely to have come and gone. Just 7% plan to sell within two years, although 6% do have plans to sell within the next year. Matthew Cooper, Founder & Managing Director of Yes Homebuyers, commented: “There’s a very real chance that a house price dip is on its way once the stamp duty holiday fully expires. Having spurred an unprecedented level of buyer demand for such a sustained period of time, it’s only natural that this artificially manufactured, house price boom bubble is going to burst once the stimulus is removed. It has caused such concerns that the government has tried to soften the blow, not only by extending the stamp duty holiday itself but by implementing a staggered deadline to minimise the immediate impact on the market. The good news is that many homeowners remain unconcerned, no doubt due to investing with a long term view rather than on a profit and loss basis. With many also having little intention of selling anytime soon, the chances are that any market decline may have been corrected by the time they do. However, those with plans to sell within the next six months may want to do so sooner, rather than later, in order to achieve current market values. That said, with sizable delays also plaguing the market, the best chance to complete before a house price dip is to consider alternative options to sell your house fast.” Survey of 1,080 homeowners in England carried out by Yes Homebuyers via consumer research platform Find Out Now (25th June 2021). How concerned are you with the value of your home falling when the first stamp duty deadline expires? Answer Respondents Not concerned at all 83% Somewhat concerned 14% Very concerned 3% How concerned are you with the value of your home falling when the second stamp duty deadline expires? Answer Respondents Not concerned at all 82% Somewhat concerned 14% Very concerned 4% Would a dip in property values deter you from selling? Answer Respondents No 68% Yes 32% Do you intend to sell your home in the next: – Answer Respondents I don’t intend to sell in the next 2 years 87% 24 months 7% 3 months 2% 12 months 2% 6 months 1%
Birmingham-based residential property developer, Hanehouse Developments has brought forward plans for a new residential scheme and public realm in Bradford Street, Digbeth. The proposed scheme has been developed in consultation with Birmingham City Council and will look to advance a new public realm, beginning the process of connecting Lombard Street through to Green Street and onto Digbeth High Street. This new public walkway is part of the wider Rea Valley Urban Quarter SPD that was adopted in October 2020. A mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments will provide 130 high quality homes for a wide range of individual and family-led owner occupiers. Ground floor commercial space will provide much needed active street frontage for Bradford Street, along with services and amenities for local residents. Design methodology has focused on sustainability with substantial improvements being made over and above current building regulations. The development is being led by Hanehouse Developments and a team including K4 Architects and planning consultants, PJ Planning. Eamonn Minihane, Director of Hanehouse Developments, said: “The scheme design is sensitive to the existing fabric of Digbeth and its historic past, while also looking forward and supporting its ongoing regeneration.” Hanehouse Developments was established in April 2020 by experienced property developers, Eamonn Minihane and Richard Whitehouse, alongside property and development finance expert, David Fair, to deliver high quality, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable development schemes in Birmingham, the Midlands and other strategic locations across the UK. Following just over twelve months of trading in challenging circumstances, the company is looking to bring forward £120 million worth of residential development in Birmingham with an additional pipeline of over £150 million over the next 18 months.
ProSite is the digital logistics solution from GF Piping Systems. It helps reduce administrative efforts of ordering, reordering, and accounting of piping system components. In addition, it simplifies the stock management of installation projects, reducing the necessary workforce and related costs to ensure that a sustainable and efficient solution is achieved. Fifty percent of medium-sized businesses do not track their inventory. “The lack of tracked inventory can easily lead to out-of-stock situations. Not only does this threaten the timely completion of projects, but also the customer’s trust”, explains Bernd Schuster, Head of Global Specialized Solutions at GF Piping Systems. Project managers regularly face inventory challenges, with lead times from distributors causing potential delays and additional cost to projects that are already under time pressure. Introducing a digital logistics solution makes the supply chain more cost-effective, as the carrying cost is optimized and simultaneously the person-hours needed for administrative tasks are reduced. Thus, translating into an efficiency boost of the whole production chain. Nevertheless, there aren’t many digital tools for stock management available in the market that are affordable for medium-sized or small warehouses. Consequently, GF Piping Systems has developed ProSite, as a fully compatible solution that works with the devices already available on the project site, allowing them to professionalize their processes easily. This powerful new digital platform can improve the production efficiency by up to 15% for some customers, saving them 20% of the administrative tasks in the end and bringing human error rates to the minimum. In addition, ProSite provides a fully traceable overview of the goods managed, ordering, and invoice process. The new digital solution in GF Piping Systems’ portfolio helps to save warehouse space. The optimal inventory turnover ratio with automated just-in-time inventory management also significantly reduces administration and freight costs. At all times, the user can keep an overview of picklists and order books in a fully traceable and transparent manner. The fail-safe operation avoids excesses and shortages with staple material as well as custom pieces. In addition, the customer can keep the exact numbers required. For more product details, visit: www.gfps.com/prosite
LEADING architecture practice GT3 Architects has created four new sector leads within its senior team to diversify and drive its core areas of expertise. As part of a wider restructure, which sees senior architects take more of ownership of projects, Paul Reed has become head of sport and leisure, Suzanne Blair is leading education and masterplanning, Liz Clarke overseeing residential, and Michael Simpson is responsible for workplace. The move follows a period of growth for the firm, which has seen nine new members of staff join its ranks within the last six months. Mark Gowdridge, director at GT3 Architects, said: “We’re delighted to announce our new sector leads. Paul, Suzanne, Liz, and Michael are all experts in their considered fields and we’re looking forward to supporting them in this new challenge. By having focused heads of department, we can really streamline our offering, projects, and direction to give the best possible service for our clients. “Since implementing, our sector leads have had more time to drive our research and development arm, mentor younger members of the team, and get involved in our more complex projects. Our senior architects are also benefitting from the increased autonomy and responsibility within their respective sectors. Simon Dunstan, director at GT3, added: “The firm was established more than 12 years ago, and we’ve spent many years developing our skills over a number of sectors. We’re keen to focus our efforts across all our specialist sectors and by having dedicated leads, we can ensure that education, masterplanning, residential, and workplace are given the same emphasis as sports and leisure. “It’s a really exciting time at GT3 and, despite the challenges of Covid-19, we found that the new structure has really empowered our team. We have two studios but operate as one practice and one team, which means everyone is able to work on projects they are interested in, rather than be dictated by geography. I’m looking forward to seeing both the practice and our staff as individuals grow as a result.” For further information visit www.gt3architects.com or join the conversation over on Twitter @_GT3Architects
Modern and contemporary furniture pieces are a must for creating welcoming spaces. Simplicity has been a recurring theme in modern furniture and décor pieces. This trend has undergone series of changes since it first surfaced in the late 1800s. It’s not surprising that many elements now come with minimal embellishments. Apart from that, several individuals are embracing clean lines, neutral walls, and eco-friendly décor pieces. More homeowners prefer open floor spaces, which is a key factor in clutter-free interiors. Furniture Island’s website is user-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about finding delightful pieces that meet your needs. You can also take advantage of different filters to narrow down your options. Without much ado, here are the top reasons why you should visit www.furniture-island.co.uk right away. A wide range of products One of the features that make Furniture Island stand out from the rest is its wide range of products. Customers’ tastes differ and keep evolving. They are proactive about satisfying the needs of their customers and have what it takes to produce furniture pieces of different designs. Variety is the spice of life, and these words hold in the home décor sphere. Reputable furniture suppliers often have fresh inventory from time to time. They also update their stores with the latest designs. Taking a look at their past work will reveal their level of expertise which is top-notch. Professional staff Furniture Island hires highly-skilled experts with several years of experience. These individuals have more than a basic understanding of the products and customers’ behavior. They will prioritize your preferences and budget before offering suggestions. Their customer service support staffs are courteous and offer timely support to both new and returning customers. You can get additional information about contemporary furniture pieces before checking out. High-quality furniture pieces As you navigate the Furniture Island website, you will discover that they offer corner sofas, cabinets, wardrobe pieces, dining tables, to mention a few. The manufacturers they collaborate with never run out of innovative ideas, so it’s easy for them to design functional pieces. Many homeowners want comfy and luxury furniture pieces at a fraction of the price. Furniture Island can help you design the home of your dreams. You will be saving money in the long run once you take advantage of their offers. The bottom line is to have a reasonable budget and do your due diligence. Exceptional service It’s common for online visitors to run a background check on a brand before doing business with them. Furniture Island’s past and current clients usually share glowing reviews about them. Their staff will allow customers to weigh their options instead of pressuring them to make a decision. You can go through their testimonial section to get a glimpse of their customized services and products. Convenient location Location can be a deal-breaker when shopping for stylish furniture pieces. This is the real reason why you need to choose a supplier in your area. It’s ideal to consider the additional cost of transporting the pieces to your home when searching for a furniture store. Furniture Island delivery charges to Mainland England, Mainland Scotland, and Wales are quite affordable. Ensure that you go through the terms and conditions regarding their delivery service.
It is common that one of the main concerns to take into account when travelling is the hotel where you are going to stay, especially if you are going to stay for a long period of time. Clients tend to look for a hotel in accordance with their economic possibilities and always taking into account their needs. It is true that the design of the hotel, the construction of the building, the reception area and the lounge/dining room for meals are one of the main attractions before deciding to stay in a specific hotel. But what really pleases a client the most and what he/she will notice the most is the room where he/she is going to stay and feel comfortable after a whole day working or sightseeing. That is why every detail counts, from a comfortable bed to a warm and pleasant light. So, what about the security in a room? Can we guarantee the safety of our most precious valuables or the money we want to keep in the room? In this sense, it is important to have an electronic lock with an attractive design and which, of course, fulfils its main function: guaranteeing security through state-of-the-art opening systems such as Bluetooth, numerical code or proximity cards. A good combination of design and functionality will make the customer feel in his comfort zone and give the hotel in question a good appearance and care for its guests. In the following, you will find two types of electronic locks chosen for their design and minimalism and which can be found for sale at Omnitec Systems, a company with more than 25 years of experience in the development, manufacturing and marketing of locks, minibars, access controls and safes. Therefore, it is a company that manufactures and offers solutions for hotels, always focusing on the most appropriate and minimalist design possible that enhances the guest experience and the feeling of luxury. The EVO electronic lock This first type of electronic lock, noted for its minimalism and subtlety, is often one of the best and most common choices for hotels looking for high technological features combined with a minimalist, attractive and user-friendly design. What is most striking about this electronic lock is its mechanism, as it is fully integrated into the door. The only thing that is visible is the doorknob, the keyhole and the reader that works via Bluetooth and Smartphone or with a MiFare proximity card. Depending on the preferred configuration, no electronic mechanisms will be visible, thus fully respecting the decorative concept of the hotel and the interior of the room. It is a very discreet, elegant electronic lock that fits both classic and more modern styles. In addition, this type of lock guarantees maximum security for guests and their belongings, as the system used to open and close the door can always be synchronised with the hotel’s reception computers, and you can alway opt for remote opening and management. OS-SLIM Secondly, there is the OS-SLIM option, an electronic lock with a high technological level in a sleek profile design. As mentioned in the previous case, this lock is also a very elegant option and stands out for its modern anddetailed technological configuration system. This model offers a clean, modern and innovative feel to the door and the surrounding space, both to the guests in the room and to anyone passing by. Its finishes are combined with black, white and gold; these colours use a VPD (Vapour Phase Deposition) lacquering process that makes the lock highly resistant and prevents any possible future corrosion. Thus, this model is currently very popular in the hotel sector, especially because of its design that integrates perfectly into any type of design, as well as for its results of use. It has a Bluetooth opening system with a MiFare proximity card or remotely through the Gateway. In short, this type of electronic security system is becoming more and more common in the hotel sector, which is why it is recommended that you contact the Omnitec team if you have any doubts about this type of electronic lock, as they will be fully prepared to help you and provide your hotel’s security system with modernity and comfort.
A HISTORIC development in the West Midlands has moved one step closer to completion following a topping out ceremony held by contractor Clegg Construction. Located in Great Hampton Street, Birmingham on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter, the scheme comprises four different buildings, one of which is listed. The scheme includes the regeneration of the grade II* listed former J. Ashford and Son jewellery factory building, which is being revitalised, with three further distinct blocks each with their own innovative and contextual architectural style. The three and four storey build-to-rent (BTR) development will provide 158 new high-quality rental homes and 10,000 sq ft. of ground level commercial space. Clegg Construction was appointed to complete the BTR project, which includes the grade II* listed former factory, with works due for completion in early 2022. Dave Swift, operations manager at Clegg Construction, said: “We’re really excited to have reached this significant milestone as it’s a great scheme to be involved in. We very much enjoy working on projects that combine heritage buildings with new development to create something really special. “We are therefore proud to be part of scheme that offers much needed residential and commercial space in the city centre. We’ve made excellent progress to reach this point and we’re very much looking forward to seeing the scheme progress to a finished product, delivering high quality rental homes in this vibrant part of the city.” The scheme aims to address the national housing shortage and boost the West Midlands’ residential offering, as well as contributing towards economic growth with the inclusion of 10,000 sq ft of commercial space that can be utilised by local businesses.
Crossrail has today handed over the Woolwich Elizabeth line station to Transport for London, following the successful delivery by Balfour Beatty; marking the fourth central London station to be transferred ahead of Trial Operations beginning later this year. Delivered alongside its design partners, Mott MacDonald, the revitalised station will ensure quicker, easier and more convenient travel for commuters, residents and visitors each day both into and out of Woolwich, whilst also supporting wider regeneration in the local area – creating numerous jobs and opportunities for local businesses. Works to the much-anticipated station involved the delivery of a 276-metre-long underground station, with Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering providing the associated diaphragm walls and bearing piles. In addition, Balfour Beatty was responsible for installing Mechanical and Electrical plant at two portals as well as station operations rooms where the Elizabeth line trains will surface from either end of the Thames Tunnel at North Woolwich and Plumstead. Andy Lambden, Balfour Beatty Project Director, said: “This is an incredible milestone for both Balfour Beatty and Crossrail – one that signifies another step towards the official opening of the long-awaited, iconic, Elizabeth Line. “Testament to our unrivalled expertise from across the Group, we are delighted to have safely and successfully delivered a station which will transform travel across south east London, whilst also supporting economic growth in the area through new employment and business opportunities.” Mark Wild, Crossrail Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that Woolwich station has been handed over to Transport for London. Woolwich is a beautiful station, surrounded by history which has been brilliantly captured by all those working on the station build. I am proud of everyone who has worked so hard to get this magnificent new railway station over the line.” David Eastland, Mott MacDonald’s project design director, C530 Woolwich Station, said: “This has been a remarkable programme of works with some amazing people and skills. The station is a living legacy providing, transport homes and jobs, so it gives me great pleasure to see the station handed over as part of the transformation of the Woolwich area and the wider contribution to London.” Located on the site of the Royal Arsenal which was home to a military academy and previously used for the manufacture of guns and explosives, munitions testing and the production of medals including the ‘Dead Man’s Penny’ which was given to the next of kin of those killed during World War One, the station’s design subtly references the military past of the site. Why not watch the video below and learn more from Andy Lambden, Balfour Beatty’s Project Director?