Next-generation property and finance services consultancy adds specialist risk and insurance advice to its offering Cape Insurance launches as part of ARMCo group ARMCo, the specialist finance and property consultancy offering lending, corporate support, land procurement and property development, has announced a new addition to its offering with the launch
Earlier this month, Mecalac Construction Equipment UK launched a suite of new site dumper models at an exclusive event at its Warwickshire demo ground. The eagerly-anticipated 3.5MDX cabbed site dumper made its global debut, alongside all-new hydrostatic versions of the highly popular 6MDX and 9MDX. Alongside providing VIP guests with
A new Proptech engine, which transforms viability for SME housebuilders and their lenders, has issued more than £600m worth of instant Sales Guarantee proposals in its first three months. LDS has reported that its online engine, which launched in January, supplied a total of £603,200,000 worth of Sales Guarantee proposals
Few materials commands fear and trepidation as asbestos. Just about everyone, even if they’re not in the construction industry, understands that asbestos is a bad thing. But it wasn’t actually banned in the UK until 1999, and thus you might find it lurking in a whole range of different buildings.
A North East property developer has announced the next phase of ambitious growth plans as it gears up to meet strong demand for its services and expertise. Hartlepool’s Acland Homes has agreed an exclusive new partnership with Newcastle-based Aston Walker Developments Ltd in a move that will see it extend
A partnership between two Yorkshire businesses has started work on more than 20 homes, with the value generated used to support essential frontline council services across North Yorkshire. The development at Marton Cum Grafton will include a series of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. North Yorkshire County Council-owned developer
Foxhills Club & Resort’s new Pavilion has laid the foundations for a long-term sustainable future for families and generations to come. The new £7m facility at the Surrey club, designed by renowned architects Michaelis Boyd, opens next week and was built for families and the environment they will inherit. The
ISO Chemie’s thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system has been specified as part of energy efficiency improvements to dozens of residential homes in the West Midlands. The move sees WINFRAMER units being retrofitted under an initiative to bring poorly insulated properties in Coventry up to current energy efficiency
The £50 million new Oakfield community being built in Swindon by Mi-space was today showcased by the Nationwide Building Society as a potential national blueprint for housebuilders on how to create-energy efficient homes and communities for the future. The brainchild of the Society, the Oakfield scheme aims to be one
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has become the first trade body to adopt a new industry agreed prequalification standard that promises to cut expensive and time consuming ‘red tape’ for contractors. The new Common Assessment Standard, developed by Build UK and endorsed by the Construction Leadership Council, means suppliers
Next-generation property and finance services consultancy adds specialist risk and insurance advice to its offering Cape Insurance launches as part of ARMCo group ARMCo, the specialist finance and property consultancy offering lending, corporate support, land procurement and property development, has announced a new addition to its offering with the launch of Cape Insurance – a niche risk and insurance adviser for property investors, developers and the construction sector. Cape is headed up by managing director Henry Gallacher, who brings with him a wealth of experience gained working for large global insurance brokers Willis Towers Watson, JLT and latterly Marsh for over 10 years, where he advised large corporate firms on risk and insurance before choosing to specialise in property, development and construction. Henry explained: “The property sector is vast with a variety of risks and challenges to success. Cape’s aim is to help property investors, developers, owners and managers find the opportunity in these challenges, with insurance solutions that help manage, mitigate or transfer risks, and optimise profitability. Cape has been founded at a time when many of the independent brokers in the insurance market are being acquired by larger players – creating a consolidated landscape with fewer firms and less real choice. This means we are well positioned to offer a unique service with a human touch, offering a customer-focused approach underpinned by vast knowledge and experience in these sectors. We work closely with clients to define their risk profile, and then find the optimal solution to ensure every project, transaction and deal progresses smoothly and profitably. “The pandemic has changed the way we live and will begin to change the built environment significantly. As property is likely to be re-purposed in line with this evolution – such as office space, retail property and changing residential demands – the opportunity for players in the property and construction markets is enormous. Cape is perfectly placed to enable these opportunities to be capitalised on. From financing and planning development projects through to construction, along with key landlord and investor risk considerations, we offer a broad spectrum of advice outside of the normal,” he added David Totney joins Henry at Cape as co-director, bringing with him more than 30 years’ experience gained in finance industries. Additionally, Cape has joined with the Willis Towers Watson network, giving it access to world-leading resources, knowledge and the market leverage of WTW, while maintaining the service proposition of a specialist, independent broker delivering a unique proposition for clients. Cape is part of the ARMCo group, which is head-quartered in the heart of Birmingham’s finance district, from where the firm delivers its local, regional and national offering. ARMCo founder Russell Martin commented: “We are delighted to launch Cape within our group, which significantly enhances our overall offering of synergistic property and finance services. Henry’s vast and specialist expertise is a real asset to the group, and will aid businesses coming to ARMCo for help in overcoming challenges they face today, such as access to finance, navigation of land procurement and development, and sourcing risk solutions. Our expertise across the group helps them maximise growth opportunities and have an exceptional experience, thanks to our central services approach that encompasses a human touch, passion and commitment of strong leaders and highly collaborative partnerships.” The ARMCo group comprises Finance 4 Business, Liquidity Club, Innovation 4 Business and Walker Doble – as well as new firms Atlas Land & Planning, Midshore Partners, Chordis Capital and Cape Insurance. These are operated by industry experts Russell Martin, David Pinnington, David Totney, Philip Moore, Rebecca Doble, Marc Walker, James England and Rob Lankey and Henry Gallacher. The group offers expertise on financial solutions including asset, bridging and development finance, tax solutions and MBOs – helping SMEs in a range of sectors, property developers (including allied trades and professionals) and investors.
Earlier this month, Mecalac Construction Equipment UK launched a suite of new site dumper models at an exclusive event at its Warwickshire demo ground. The eagerly-anticipated 3.5MDX cabbed site dumper made its global debut, alongside all-new hydrostatic versions of the highly popular 6MDX and 9MDX. Alongside providing VIP guests with the opportunity to get behind the wheel of each new model, the event comprised a number of informative presentations and a technology showcase. For the first time ever, Mecalac’s AX1000 articulated wheel loader was also showcased on UK soil. 6MDX and 9MDX (hydrostatic) An evolution of Mecalac’s renowned MDX site dumper range, the six- and nine-tonne hydrostatic 6MDX and 9MDX bring smooth, uninterrupted power and the addition of dynamic braking. The all-new models offer improved performance and traction – particularly on inclines where gear changes can often result in loss of drive. Removing the gear stick allows for a more spacious operator environment, increasing comfort and minimising fatigue. With fewer parts, the hydrostatic models ensure lower running costs, thanks to lower maintenance requirements and fewer wear items. 3.5MDX Durable, dependable, versatile and highly capable, the 3.5MDX site dumper is the latest addition to Mecalac’s world-acclaimed cabbed portfolio. The efficient, low-emission engine works through a four-wheel-drive system that features low-range in both forward and reverse, giving operators peace of mind on challenging terrain. Available with either swivel tip or forward tip, the new model guarantees class-leading power, performance and durability and includes Mecalac’s Shield safety pack as standard. AX1000 With outstanding power and stability, Mecalac’s AX1000 articulated wheel loader is a true market leader. Its sleek but rigid monoboom combines high tear-out forces with protected hydraulics, delivering maximum safety and impressive cycle times. The model’s self-stabilising system uses an articulated pendulum joint to make carrying heavy loads across uneven terrain significantly easier and safer. Visibility and operator comfort are excellent thanks to a panoramic cab and intuitive control layout. Available with a range of attachments, from buckets to pallet forks, the AX1000 is an incredibly versatile on-site asset. Paul Macpherson, Commercial Director at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK, commented: “With lockdown restrictions slowly easing, we thought hosting a secret VIP event was the perfect opportunity to officially launch a number of exciting new additions to our MDX site dumper portfolio. The event was a huge success – and the glowing feedback on our new models was a really positive outcome. “Alongside the new dumpers, attendees had the first opportunity on UK soil to get behind the wheel of our versatile AX1000. The articulated loader is an excellent product and we’re experiencing ever-increasing demand for the range.” To learn more about Mecalac’s range of industry-leading equipment, visit www.mecalac.com/en.
A new Proptech engine, which transforms viability for SME housebuilders and their lenders, has issued more than £600m worth of instant Sales Guarantee proposals in its first three months. LDS has reported that its online engine, which launched in January, supplied a total of £603,200,000 worth of Sales Guarantee proposals for new housing developments in the first quarter of 2021. LDS’ target for the year is to issue £4billion of proposals. Enabling SME housebuilders to construct more homes is seen as key to help solve Britain’s housing crisis as larger developers are reaching capacity. In April the Housing Minister Christopher Pincher said: “A successful SME sector is crucial in our shared objectives of planning reform and increased housebuilding.” In March the Chair of Homes England Peter Freeman said one of his top 10 priorities is “ensuring SMEs play a greater role in housing delivery.” Access to finance has been a growing problem for SME housebuilders, with the Federation of Master Builders reporting that 42% of SME housebuilders were involved in sites that stalled for financial reasons in 2019. In 1988, SME housebuilders were responsible for 40% of new build homes, compared to around 10% today. This equates to a drop of 75% in the number of homes built by SME housebuilders in just over three decades. The unique LDS Sales Guarantee removes all speculative and exit risk for housebuilders and their lenders by underwriting the financing of sites, guaranteeing that housebuilders can call on LDS to complete on any unsold units. This catalyst opens up increased access to finance and the ability for increased output. LDS can also release 10% of the guarantee value to the housebuilder unsecured and at zero interest. The combined effect of increased leverage and the LDS cash release reduces housebuilder cash contributions by an average of 77%. This in turn enables housebuilders to bring forward up to four times more new housing from the same cash base. The response to the new Proptech engine since its launch shows the strength in demand from the sector, with SME housebuilders keen to bring forward new sites – if they can unlock financing. A recent SME housebuilder to bring forward a site through LDS was D T Joseph Developments Ltd. A Sales Guarantee and a £424,656 cash injection were provided by LDS enabling the development of 16 new homes with a GDV of £6m. In Terrington St Clement, Norfolk, a local developer and construction company was able to acquire a site after LDS provided a Sales Guarantee and a £720,000 cash injection which was used towards the site purchase. Plugging the financing shortfall has enabled the developer to bring forward 44 new homes, including 9 affordable units, with a GDV of £10.6m. For this transaction, the Sales Guarantee is estimated to have increased the developer’s return on investment by 137%. The £603m of proposals requested between January and March 2021 spanned 67 sites, consisting of 1,551 new homes across England and Wales. The sites range in size from 10-59 units, with GDVs of between £3m-£38m per site, with the average at around £9m. Lenders, brokers and housebuilders can create a free, no obligation Sales Guarantee proposal in around two minutes using the LDS online Proptech engine. A Sales Guarantee allows them to remove speculative risks, increase access to finance on improved terms, release cash, and completely transform viability. Mark Hawthorn, CEO of LDS, said: “We are pleased, although not surprised, to see interest in Sales Guarantees growing rapidly. “The response in the first quarter since the Proptech engine was launched gives me huge confidence we will meet our goal of £4bn in Sales Guarantee proposals for 2021. “The adoption of Sales Guarantees by the market is driven by simple facts – they remove risk, reduce cash requirements, and increase returns. The compelling duo of higher returns and lower risks completely transform the viability of sites for both housebuilders and lenders, allowing much-needed new housing to be brought forward. “SME housebuilders tend to build on smaller brownfield and infill sites in already-established areas, which hold huge potential for additional homes across the country. By helping them to unlock development finance and boost their output, we are driving the revival of the SME housebuilding market and helping the Government meet its target to build 300,000 new homes each year. Daniel Lloyd, Founder and Owner at D T Joseph Developments Ltd, said: “LDS transformed the financing of our Spring Meadow development in Ramsbottom, enabling us to move forward and provide 16 high-quality and energy efficient family homes for the people of Ramsbottom and surrounding areas. “As an SME, receiving a guarantee that someone will buy the new homes you’re building is a weight off your shoulders as it significantly reduces the risk from our development and enabled us to secure better rates of lending. “The Sales Guarantee and the initial cash injection completely transformed the viability of the development and increased our capacity for future developments. LDS gives us the potential to build more much-needed homes – we are already looking at other sites long before we would previously have been able to.” LDS is part of Landmark Group, a national investment company founded in 2000.
Few materials commands fear and trepidation as asbestos. Just about everyone, even if they’re not in the construction industry, understands that asbestos is a bad thing. But it wasn’t actually banned in the UK until 1999, and thus you might find it lurking in a whole range of different buildings. What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a group of six different types of naturally occurring fibres. These fibres are exceptionally resistant to heat and corrosion, which made them useful when it comes to making buildings where they are often found in insulation. Why was it banned? Unfortunately, the very same properties which make asbestos so good at creating permanent structures also make it very dangerous if it enters the human body. The body simply doesn’t have a way to break it down, which means that those inhaled fibres can cause inflammation and scarring inside the body. It is responsible for the vast majority of cases of mesothelioma, a type of cancer that wasn’t seen in the UK until asbestos entered the scene. Asbestos-related claims provide a way for effected workers to extract compensation, but they can’t reverse the damage. Is there a risk of asbestos exposure in construction? Unfortunately, the dangers of asbestos only came to light after it was rolled out into buildings across the UK. According to recent research, there are 6 million tonnes of asbestos distributed across 1.5 million public buildings. The material can be found in 94% of hospitals and 80% of public schools. In most cases, this asbestos is trapped behind walls and ceilings where it can’t inflict any damage. However, this changes when construction work is involved. If part of a building is destroyed, then those fibres might be released into the air. In some cases, this event isn’t even noticed. Moreover, many construction workers aren’t aware of exactly what to do in the event that they discover asbestos. How prepared are construction workers? According to polling from Opinium, commissioned by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, some 15% of workers have never been informed of the risks, and 18% of workers claimed that, if they found asbestos, they wouldn’t be sure of what to do. 15% of workers did not know about the asbestos register. This minority of uninformed workers pose a disproportionate risk, especially if they’re put in situations where they’re the only people working on a particular site. What can I do? Employers and workers have a duty to inform themselves on the dangers of asbestos, in order to limit the risk to everyone. If you’re in this position, then you can find plenty of resources available on the Health and Safety Executive’s website.
A North East property developer has announced the next phase of ambitious growth plans as it gears up to meet strong demand for its services and expertise. Hartlepool’s Acland Homes has agreed an exclusive new partnership with Newcastle-based Aston Walker Developments Ltd in a move that will see it extend the scope of the planning, land acquisition and residential development services it currently provides. Under the terms of the agreement, Acland Homes, which currently has £12m worth of developments in the pipeline over the next 18 months, will be able to provide extensive construction capabilities, offering a single source design and build service. The news comes as the company, which plans to double its revenues to £2m and continues to acquire further development sites in 2021, targets sales of £5m by the end of 2022. Current projects include a number of new residential schemes in Worset Lane in Hartlepool, Cotherstone village near Barnard Castle, Newcastle and Green Lane in Yarm. Established in 2018, Aston Walker brings a wealth of knowledge as Tier 1 contractors and five-star builders to the partnership as it continues to pursue growth on the back of a strong order book. The two companies have previously worked together on several projects but have now agreed to formalise working arrangements as they look to expand their regional operations. Stephen Litherland, managing director of Acland, said: “We are seeing growth on the back of delivering a good quality, bespoke product coupled with strong consumer demand for new homes and the stamp duty holiday. “Our new partnership with Aston Walker will extend our house building capabilities – they will be our exclusive construction arm. So we very much look forward to developing our relationship with them as we bring forward more developments in the next 12 months.” Davie Aston, director at Aston Walker said: “We will be assisting Stephen and his colleagues with the construction of new homes in a move that will be beneficial for both companies. “The fact that we are working together on developments across the region is a real statement of intent by both firms, helping to support the creation of new communities and quality housing where they’re most needed.”
A partnership between two Yorkshire businesses has started work on more than 20 homes, with the value generated used to support essential frontline council services across North Yorkshire. The development at Marton Cum Grafton will include a series of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. North Yorkshire County Council-owned developer Brierley Homes is working with award-winning Yorkshire construction firm Hobson & Porter to deliver the properties on the edge of the Vale of York. Brierley Homes passes the value it generates to North Yorkshire County Council to reinvest in the local community. The development will also include eight affordable homes at a time where there is high demand for more affordable housing. The scheme will focus on maintaining local housing aesthetics – keeping a traditional theme while refurbishing several barns. In order to achieve this, involving businesses with knowledge of local and traditional styles of building specific to Yorkshire will greatly improve the outcome, while using modern practices to ensure these properties are energy efficient. Hobson & Porter will use these practices to significantly reduce CO2 output. The residential and regeneration sector is Hobson & Porter’s longest-standing sector, with the business celebrating its 50th year in 2021. In the last half-century, the firm has completed worked on thousands of residential properties across the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire regions, ranging from refurbishment and enhancement works through to new-build sites of up to 50 homes – working in both the public and private sectors. This latest scheme for Brierley Homes will add a prestigious market-housing scheme to this growing portfolio. Karl Battersby, chairman of Brierley Homes, said: “2021 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Brierley Homes, with the Yew Tree Farm development just one of a number of high-quality housing schemes under way. “Not only will these developments attract people to North Yorkshire, but they will also help cater for local demand at all levels of the market. “What is more, the value will be ploughed back into essential services during what is a challenging time for local government.” Richard Hunter, Managing Director of Hobson & Porter, said: “We’re excited to be delivering this prestigious housing development in the heart of North Yorkshire and bringing some fantastic new properties to the private housing market. “We are acutely aware of the need to develop these new homes in line with the area’s surroundings and will be constructing them with this in mind, including converting several existing barns to retain their original features.” The development is set to be completed in May 2022.
Foxhills Club & Resort’s new Pavilion has laid the foundations for a long-term sustainable future for families and generations to come. The new £7m facility at the Surrey club, designed by renowned architects Michaelis Boyd, opens next week and was built for families and the environment they will inherit. The Pavilion’s roof has been fitted with solar panels, all the lights – inside and out – are LED, which are 80 per cent more efficient than traditional lighting, while lighting in the toilets and locker rooms are on motion sensors to save energy. Both pools are filtered by a pioneering DAISY system which reduces the water, energy and chlorine used, providing swimmers with a more natural and gentler environment. The 25m outdoor pool is covered each night to reduce evaporation and save energy. By including the toddler’s pools within the envelope of the main pools, rather than separate, it improves water quality for children and uses less energy. Sensors on taps and showers mean less water is wasted. Five water fountains will be available to keep members and guests hydrated. The coolers won’t have any single-use plastic cups, encouraging the use of refillable bottles. Awnings and blinds are fixed to south-facing windows to reduce solar gain and the energy required to cool the building; printing will also be reduced as menus are on boards and QR codes and notice boards are displayed digitally; lockers are fitted with mechanical locks which reduce the environmental impact of batteries. Like the Yoga Cabin, which opened at the club in 2019, the Pavilion’s larch cladding is FSC approved, meeting the highest environmental and social standards. Trees play an important role in combatting climate change, so specimen trees were protected during construction and new ones planted. The Pavilion replaces the much-loved Youth Club, 90 per cent of which was recycled following its demolition. Rather than throw away all fixtures and fittings, spin bikes were bought by members and other items have been refurbished to reappear in the new building. The building is now just days away from completion, with the first areas opening on Monday, May 10, 2021, and will feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a crèche, art studio, playroom with soft play and role-play ‘high street’, three more studios for dance, functional fitness and group cycling, a games room, a new restaurant and two terraces – all set within a Victorian walled garden overlooking one of the resort’s golf courses. Marc Hayton, Foxhills managing director, said: “Considering the environmental impact of the Pavilion was particularly important because it has been designed for families. We want the children to enjoy the Pavilion throughout their lifetime and make sure that it doesn’t have any negative impact in the future. “It’s been great to incorporate these fantastic features into the design from the beginning and work with experts to ensure that every aspect has been carefully considered on Foxhills’ most exciting development in our 46-year history. We can’t wait to open the Pavilion’s doors and for it to be a hub for the Surrey community for many years to come.” The Pavilion joins an Olympic range of leisure facilities already at the club, offering more than 200 weekly activities for both adults and children. Highlights include group cycle, yoga, combat, reformer Pilates, Zumba, arts and crafts, Nordic walking, dance, judo, orienteering, tennis, table tennis, cycling and running clubs, basketball, football and golf. www.foxhills.co.uk | www.foxhills.co.uk/pavilion
ISO Chemie’s thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system has been specified as part of energy efficiency improvements to dozens of residential homes in the West Midlands. The move sees WINFRAMER units being retrofitted under an initiative to bring poorly insulated properties in Coventry up to current energy efficiency standards and provide better quality housing for homeowners along with long-term cost savings. Passivhaus certified and fire rated to up to 30 minutes, WINFRAMER is a prefabricated installation frame, manufactured to accommodate cavities up to 250mm that allows windows to be supported independently from the face of the wall regardless of any external cladding being in place. Quick and easy to install, the product’s application in Coventry is seen as part of a solution to meet a wider Government strategy to reduce carbon levels in housing that has single skin walls or non-cavity walls – these buildings have a reputation for leaking considerable amounts of energy, heat and sound. Andy Swift, ISO Chemie’s sales and operations manager – UK and ROI, said this type of housing needs attention. He said: “Using WINFRAMER as a platform for the windows to be moved forward, allows a cavity wall to be created outside the existing one. This can then be filled with insulation to massively improve thermal efficiency. As it’s also very thermally efficient and airtight, WINFRAMER is proving to be an easy and cost-effective way to improve the quality of the Coventry properties.” The composite WINFRAMER brackets can bear heavy windows loads, including bi-fold doors, to provide a reliable, strong and high-performance support frame. Installation is quick with windows attached directly and secured mechanically using either standard fixing screws or fixing lugs in the usual manner. A hinged insulation core combines with the composite wood structural bracket to become an integral part of the overall wall structure, providing compliance with window energy saving regulations (EnEV) and the RAL quality assurance association. ISO-Chemie is one of Europe’s main producers of impregnated foam sealants, specialising in the manufacturer of foam products from polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane (PUR) using the latest production techniques. More at https://www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home/
The £50 million new Oakfield community being built in Swindon by Mi-space was today showcased by the Nationwide Building Society as a potential national blueprint for housebuilders on how to create-energy efficient homes and communities for the future. The brainchild of the Society, the Oakfield scheme aims to be one of Britain’s largest energy-efficient communities – a development where homes are built to leading environmental standards and future-proofed with a host of green innovations to help people live sustainably. Nationwide, the world’s biggest building society, pledged to share all of its learnings and plans from the development in order to help create positive change and has called on Government, housebuilders and lenders to outline a roadmap which will help deliver homes that are more sustainable. Mi-space, part of the Midas Group, one of the UK’s largest independent construction and property services providers, started work in 2020 on the project, which will create a thriving new community at the brownfield site, with 239 new homes to be developed, including 71 available for affordable housing. Steve Hart, Divisional Director at Midas, said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of this trailblazing scheme and to be partnering with Nationwide as it looks to re-write the rule book on how to create sustainable homes and communities for the future. “Every aspect of the Oakfield project is being considered in the finest detail and as a project team we are continually challenging ourselves as to how we can do things differently and better. It is a unique and exciting process which is drawing on our and our project partners’ experience of good practice, driving innovation and creating a knowledge base from which the wider industry can benefit,” From the outset, Nationwide set out for Oakfield to be an exemplar scheme and to challenge the way housebuilding has traditionally been done. It will see all 239 homes hitting the EPC-A rating, the top level of energy efficiency, compared to a just a fraction of new properties built nationally currently meeting these standards. It is also set to be one of Britain’s biggest off-gas housing developments, with all properties, including affordable housing, having photovoltaic solar panels and air source heat pumps, instead of a traditional gas boiler. And the project is designed with future green innovations in mind too, enabling residents to further green their homes, for example with batteries for surplus energy storage. The development will also be ready for electric cars – charging points will be provided on the street, and homes with on-plot parking will be wired to allow residents to install their own charging points. Sara Bennison, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Nationwide Building Society, said the Society hoped this new approach to creating community-focused, more environmentally-friendly homes would be the start of a blueprint for newbuild homes across the UK. She said: “Just a fraction of new homes in the UK are built to an EPC-A rated standard. Creating homes today which aren’t fit for the future and will need to be retrofitted in a matter of years is simply not right. We will be calling for Government, house builders and lenders to work together to tackle any remaining barriers to improving the environmental standards of new homes. “Buildings are the second largest source of emissions in the UK. Creating sustainable communities is possible and we are demonstrating this through our Oakfield development – delivering one of the greenest communities in the UK at scale. We all need to play our part in delivering high quality homes that are fit for the future. We will be sharing all our learnings and plans helping developers commit to a clear roadmap for more a sustainable future. “In addition, with more than 1.5 million homes on our mortgage balance sheet, we are also developing new products to help our members make a real difference to the environment by making improvements to existing properties. Together we can tackle the climate crisis and we are committed to helping our members to create greener and more sustainable homes.” Work on the Oakfield development began on site in April 2020. Construction is expected to take about three and a half years, with the first phase of new homes being completed in Spring 2022.
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has become the first trade body to adopt a new industry agreed prequalification standard that promises to cut expensive and time consuming ‘red tape’ for contractors. The new Common Assessment Standard, developed by Build UK and endorsed by the Construction Leadership Council, means suppliers will only need to be certified once a year by a single recognised assessment body before tendering for work with contractors and clients who specify it. This is a significant improvement on the current system where different clients insist on their own prequalification questionnaires being completed meaning contractors are forced to duplicate time and effort. Build UK estimates this wasteful process costs the construction industry as much as £1bn every year. BESA chief executive David Frise said the new approach would transform the prequalification process and make it work better for both suppliers and clients. “By streamlining the process and linking it to a pan-industry agreed standard, it will be quicker and simpler for good quality firms to demonstrate their business credentials and clients will get the reassurance they need,” he said. Build UK deputy chief executive Jo Fautley said the new system was “a huge step towards more efficient working, which is more important than ever in the current challenging economic climate”. Collaborative “Developing the Common Assessment Standard has been a collaborative effort, involving companies across the whole sector. There are already 10 major contractors and clients specifying it and we are delighted that BESA has become our first Trade Association member to adopt it as a part of its membership process,” she added. The standard has been made possible thanks to a data-sharing agreement with the three recognised assessment bodies: Achilles, CHAS and Constructionline. The building engineering alliance Actuate UK has also put its weight behind the new standard, which it said was an example of how cross-industry collaboration could deliver efficiency improvements for the whole construction supply chain. Build UK is also working with the government on having it adopted for public sector projects. “The introduction of data sharing means the long-awaited industry-wide solution to prequalification waste is now in sight,” said BESA’s director of certification Rachel Davidson. “Having an industry approved, single standard will also make it more appealing to main contractors and end clients. We encourage all public sector and commercial clients to embrace this ground-breaking development.” BESA has also recognised the new standard as a way of deeming to satisfy the business management section of its own Competence Assessment Standard (CAS), which companies must achieve to join the Association or remain in membership. Any company that deems to satisfy business assurance by reaching the new standard will save a significant amount of time and duplication of effort because they will also be meeting BESA’s requirements. However, the Association stressed that it would continue to assess the technical competence of its members. “It is important that individual trade bodies continue to take responsibility for the specialist technical aspects of assessing competence,” said Frise. “Our organisations are best placed to oversee whether companies are keeping up with advances in technology and working practices while also investing in training to ensure their workforces are properly equipped to carry out high quality work. “Being able to streamline the business assurance element of pre-qualification will have the added benefit of giving them more time and resource to focus on these technical aspects. This should lead to even more improvements, including better productivity, for clients.”www.theBESA.com