Kenneth Booth

Five Things to Consider When Building Your Dream Home

Owning a home is still a popular choice, and while property markets can fluctuate significantly, the market for houses continues to grow. As exciting as the idea of buying a house is, the hunt for their dream home can be a frustrating process. It can be hard to find the

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Henry Brothers completes new £9m centre for enterprise at Nottingham Trent University

Contractor Henry Brothers has completed a new enterprise centre on Nottingham Trent University’s City campus, providing high-quality facilities and extensive business support to entrepreneurs, start-ups, small to medium-sized businesses and larger enterprises. The £9m Dryden Enterprise Centre (DEC) is set over four floors utilising the latest technology and modern facilities

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PLANS FOR HULL’S FORMER HSBC BUILDING ON WHITEFRIARGATE REVEALED

DETAILS have been revealed for the redevelopment of the former HSBC building on Whitefriargate in Hull city centre, which will see the site create a thriving home for creative, digital and tech businesses. An eclectic mix of heritage and creativity, the development will combine high-tech workspaces with places to connect

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Why Branded Umbrellas Are The Perfect Corporate Gift

The importance of branded merchandise as corporate gifts can’t be undermined in today’s business environment. It’s a fact that it’s not just customers who judge your company by the products it sells, but suppliers, business partners, and employees, too. A well-presented corporate gift bag with your logo imprinted on it

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PLANS SUBMITTED FOR 116 BUILD-TO-RENT HOMES IN ELY

UK residential and commercial property developer Godwin Developments has submitted proposals for 116 build-to-rent (BTR) homes and flexible commercial space in Ely, Cambridgeshire. The scheme, named Cathedral Green, has been designed to create an ‘urban village’ style community for residents of various ages and will deliver much-needed quality housing for

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Latest Issue
Issue 343 : Aug 2026

Kenneth Booth

DEVELOPERS UNVEIL PLANS FOR NEW £200M BUSINESS QUARTER BY FORMER BROADMARSH CENTRE

IMAGES of an ambitious new development of grade A office space by the former Broadmarsh shopping centre in Nottingham have been revealed for the first time. The development, called New Albion Place, is a joint venture between Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates – the team behind the successful delivery of the new HMRC headquarters in Nottingham – and will be built by Derbyshire-based Bowmer + Kirkland. They plan to transform two acres of land flanked by Canal Street, Collin Street and Greyfriar Gate into top quality office space. The plans will kick-start regeneration in this important part of the city, which is an area currently very much in the spotlight – and a cornerstone of Nottingham’s transformation. Ralph Jones, managing director of Peveril Securities, said: “We are in early discussions with a variety of occupiers for more than 250,000 square feet of space and are very excited to bring forward this development. For many years Nottingham has needed a dedicated central business district to provide much-needed large floor plate ‘Grade A’ office buildings to retain key employers within the city and stimulate inward investment.  “We believe that this development will complement the proposed open spaces being considered at Broadmarsh and through the renovation of Hanson House and Richmond House, will retain some of the original heritage of the area. It will add to the ongoing transformation on the Carrington Street link between the station and central Nottingham, which has included the recent refurbishment of the City Buildings, the construction of the new library and car park complex, and the ongoing public realm work on Collin Street.” The developers have acquired the freehold and long leasehold interests in a large proportion of the site, including the old Midland Scooter Centre, Chinese supermarket, Albion House and open car parking. It is anticipated that the 37,167m² (400,000ft²) office space will create up to 5,000 new jobs with a completed investment value of circa £200 million. Sladen and Peveril are in conversations with Nottingham City Council about New Albion Place – which will boost the local economy and help a city in post-COVID recovery. Nick Sladen of Sladen Estates said: “This scheme is a great opportunity for Nottingham to reinvent itself following the pandemic and take advantage of the transformation of the Broadmarsh area – not just for green space and leisure areas, but for much-needed office development that will provide real sustainable growth and inward investment. “Nottingham has an opportunity to totally redefine its city centre. As a locally based national developer, we are committed to helping the city make this work and our willingness to make such a significant investment in the city will kick start the wider regeneration proposals planned by the city. “We have a proven track record throughout the UK and locally, with Unity Square – a building on former derelict land which has secured thousands of jobs for the city – and has put Nottingham on the map as a major employment city.” The developers are aiming to submit a detailed planning application in the autumn, with a view to commencing construction work in 2022. Construction is expected to take 24 months. The appointed letting agent and development adviser for the scheme is FHP Property Consultants. John Proctor of FHP said: “In order for Nottingham to retain its status as the regional capital of the East Midlands, it needs offices of a scale and nature that one finds in other major centres within the UK.  “We are privileged to have national developers of the size and stature of Peveril and Sladen, which are locally-based and capable of delivering a scheme of national importance. Their initial speculative intervention and purchase of the former car park and redundant buildings opposite to Nottingham Station led to the successful delivery of the first phase of Unity Square, which will soon be occupied by HMRC.  “For Nottingham to achieve its aspirations as a core city of regional significance we need schemes of this size and stature to both retain our existing employers and attract inward investment. The central business district on the south side of the city has now been more than ten years in the making and finally one can see, thanks to Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates, that this objective can now be realised.”

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Update to LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 is coming soon

In a letter to industry last week, the Fire Protection Association announced a new change within the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 incorporating BS EN 12845, clause 12.4.2. due to be issued very soon. A recent trend from within the industry has highlighted a practice that leads to inconsistencies in design and installation of sprinkler systems that exponentially compromises the effectiveness and speed of sprinkler head activation. Details of the changes are outlined in the letter to industry, issued by the Fire Protection Association’s Principal Consultant and RISCAuthority Active Sprinkler Rules Working Group convenor, Dale Kinnersley. The update is expected to be released at the end of June. All customers who have a copy of the Sprinkler Rules, either print or digital, will be provided with the updates. Read the full letter to industry here. To purchase a copy of the LPC Sprinkler rules, please visit their website.

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Show home opens at luxury riverside development that’s making a splash in Nottingham

The show home at ‘The Yacht Club’ – an exclusive residential development on the banks of the River Trent, is now open to give prospective buyers a glimpse at the luxury waterside lifestyle on offer. The scheme, by Leeds-based developer KMRE Group Ltd, comprises 81 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including penthouses, with prices starting from £250,000 to £800,000. Situated in a prime waterside location to the south of Trent Lane, The Yacht Club will offer residents panoramic views of the river and The Hook nature reserve in Lady Bay. Following the government’s budget announcement at the beginning of March, the stamp duty holiday has now been extended until the end of June for homes under the value of £500,000, and until the end of September for homes under £250,000 – presenting house hunters with considerable potential saving opportunities for any property purchases in the coming months. Prospective homebuyers can also take advantage of the return of 95% mortgage schemes, which started at the beginning of April – allowing buyers to put down a deposit of just 5% on the home of their choice. FHP Living has been appointed as the selling agent for The Yacht Club development and interested parties can contact Steve Parker on 0115 841 1155 for information and viewings. With all south-facing apartments featuring either a large balcony or terrace overlooking the River Trent, including on the lower floors – the development boasts majestic waterside vistas in tranquil surroundings, with the green landscape from The Hook nature reserve located just over the river, and Colwick Country Park less than half a mile away. Designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2009, The Hook is home to abundant wildlife, an orchard and wildflower meadows, providing The Yacht Club with stunning, uninterrupted views. The location also benefits from no passing traffic, except that of boats, rowers and paddle boarders along the river. The scheme boasts high spec fixtures and fittings throughout including Italian-style kitchens, AEG appliances, underfloor heating, resident parking and picturesque outdoor communal spaces for residents to enjoy, in its prime location. Just a mile away from the vibrant and chic West Bridgford, it is close to a host of independent shops, bars and restaurants, as well as the world-renowned Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Forest FC’s City Ground and Notts County FC’s Meadow Lane stadium. The Yacht Club sits close to a number of waterside developments transforming the banks of the River Trent, becoming known as Riverside – and plans have been put forward for a pedestrian footbridge to be built over the river in the next couple of years, to cater to the burgeoning waterside residential communities. In close proximity to Nottingham train station and the city centre – less than two miles away – the luxury development will provide residents with access to Nottingham’s prime retail and cultural amenities, with the likes of John Lewis, Flannels, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood and Ted Baker among the high street stores. As well as two world-class universities and major employers such as Boots, Experian and E.ON being based in the area – the historic Nottingham Castle, Victorian Lace Market district and 19th Century Arboretum park and gardens make up some of the city’s best points of interest and unique and quirky attractions. The show suite is now available for private viewings, enabling professionals, couples, families and downsizers the chance to peek into the exclusive riverside lifestyle that The Yacht Club has to offer. It will also provide the first opportunity for confirmed buyers to personalise and upgrade apartments – with bespoke options to choose from for interior décor, fixtures and fittings. Kam Mogul, managing director at KMRE Group Ltd, said: “We are extremely proud to be delivering this unique flagship residential scheme, providing the finest quality spacious homes, with unrivalled views of the River Trent, in an idyllic waterside location, that really provides a tranquil oasis for residents. “With excellent transport links, local amenities on your doorstep and quality living spaces, The Yacht Club offers residents a luxury lifestyle, with a tranquil setting and picturesque views over the water. This is the first of our landmark ‘Southern Gateway’ developments in Nottingham, which also include the 62-apartment Hindle House residential scheme.” Steve Parker, director at the selling agent, FHP Living, said: “The central, yet serene location of The Yacht Club makes it a truly idyllic place to live alongside the river. “As the area’s residential riverside communities continue to grow, Nottingham is experiencing an influx of people moving to the city from areas including London, as many look for a fresh start following lockdown. The stamp duty holiday extension and the introduction of 95% mortgage schemes have also been welcomed by the housing sector, as they are great incentives for those looking to move to a new home and take advantage of the potential savings in the process. “We have had a great deal of interest in The Yacht Club so far, with 40% of the properties already sold, so we’d urge anyone keen to view the show home to act quickly and register interest.” Construction works at The Yacht Club involve a phased completion, with the first practical completion in June 2021, and a full handover of the site expected in July 2021.

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Vitreous Enamel: The Durable Cladding Solution Every Contractor Should Know About

The potential staying-power of any project has always been a key consideration for town planners, developers and private contractors in the construction of building and structural systems. But as we move into a future that’s set to be impacted by the evolving issue of climate change, achieving durability (and the most sustainable use of carbon-intensive raw materials) represents a growing challenge to the construction industry.  For both existing buildings and new projects, building cladding offers protection from the elements, keeping buildings and infrastructure functional and attractive far into the future. With many options for cladding available, vitreous enamel provides architects and builders with the benefits of longevity, protection, safety and design versatility in their construction ventures – making it the ideal choice in a variety of circumstances.  What Is Vitreous Enamel Cladding?  Vitreous enamel is created by fusing powered glass to a substrate – and in the case of cladding and signmaking, stainless steel – by firing it to a very high temperature, allowing the glass to harden into a smooth, durable coating. The word “vitreous” drives from the Latin vitreum, which means glass, and it’s this element which allows for such creative freedom (including a hugely extensive colour range) in designs – making it ideal for exterior murals and public art projects.  The resulting surface on vitreous enamel cladding benefits from low static, preventing dust adhesion and reducing the need for continual maintenance. The colours chosen for a project are unaffected by sunlight and therefore won’t fade over a building’s lifetime, suiting vitreous enamel cladding to both practical and aesthetic utilisations in any suitable construction project.  What are the Advantages of Using Vitreous Enamel Cladding on Buildings and Structural Systems?  There are a variety of factors at play when we consider the advantages of using vitreous enamel cladding on buildings and structural systems. At its most basic, the purpose of cladding is protection. To the general person, building materials can appear broadly infallible and adding further protection may seem redundant, but everyone in the construction industry is aware of how quickly materials can degrade – potentially undermining both structural integrity and energy rating.  Cladding increases the mechanical strength of a variety of structures and protects key structural elements from exposure to the environment. We can expect to see greater extremes in temperature, as well as more adverse weather events, in the coming decades, and cladding can ensure buildings are less susceptible to water absorption, chemical pollution and cracking caused by thermal expansion and contraction.  Vitreous enamel can also increase the fire safety of a building or structure, as a zero smoke, zero fire rated material that can be used as a cladding or rain shield system to a building, tunnel or even room. People’s safety should of course be the primary consideration for any building or public space, and enamel coatings applied to steel panels not only offer greater protection to the core building material, but the individuals who use that space.  At a glance, the practical benefits of cladding in this material include:  Durability Weather-resistance Easy maintenance  UV resistance Dirt-repellent Non-flammable Graffiti-proof But aside from the purely pragmatic, cladding using vitreous enamel has the scope for some truly artistic applications, and can incorporate everything from wayfaring to abstract design. Urban design has been linked to the mental health of town and city dwellers in a variety of ways (including access to green spaces and active space for exercise), but a sometimes-underappreciated aspect of this phenomenon is how urban spaces look.  City dwellers have an almost 40% increased risk of depression, over 20% more of anxiety, and double the risk of developing schizophrenia compared to people who live in the countryside.  While the causes are complex, mental health is closely associated with strong social connections and social capital, and urban design can be a key part of this.  Firstly, the aesthetic potential of vitreous enamel gives those in the construction industry a chance to engage the local community concerning colour and design – which increases the pro-social potential of any development and lets residents feel more in control of the area they live in. Secondly, while most of the research into urban spaces and mental health focuses on green areas like parks, making streets, buildings and public spaces aesthetically pleasing can also boost people’s sense of wellbeing and pride in their city, as well as increasing its cultural capital.  As the construction industry (and wider society) grows more aware of the importance of sustainability, increasing environmental pressures and the impact of urban spaces on the mental health of those who live in them, the priorities in construction and design are likely to continue to shift.  Vitreous enamel cladding offers architects and builders a way to respond to these changing priorities in a forward-thinking way, future-proofing their projects and ensuring they can withstand evolving pressures in a changing world. 

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Five Things to Consider When Building Your Dream Home

Owning a home is still a popular choice, and while property markets can fluctuate significantly, the market for houses continues to grow. As exciting as the idea of buying a house is, the hunt for their dream home can be a frustrating process. It can be hard to find the right house, at the right price, in the right area and those elements are such a balancing act that it can feel like an impossible task. For those who cannot find a home they want, building their own is an increasingly popular choice. Those that choose to build their own home want to ensure that they have as much control as possible over every aspect of the home-buying process by creating the home of their dreams from scratch. While this can be hugely exciting and a cost-effective way to get the home you really want, there is a lot more to building a dream home than many people realise. Designing your dream home The self-build movement has gathered momentum over the last few years, with many homebuyers getting frustrated with the traditional process of finding and buying a house. The ever-changing nature of the housing market means that people can be priced out of their local areas without ever getting a chance to buy their own home. A self-build property can be a cost-effective option that allows you to prioritise the things that are most important to you. You can choose an energy-efficient design that will maximise the natural resources of the area you’re building in and can save you money on your ongoing running costs. You will be able to design a house that suits your needs exactly, so you can build in the space-, labour- and time-saving features that make a household run smoothly. You can include anything you want from a wet room to a workshop or even an annexe or a stable.  Things you need to consider before starting a self-build project As with all large projects, preparation is key and there are several areas to consider when deciding whether a self-build house is the right choice for you: Location – it is easier to find suitable plots in some areas than others, and you will need to ensure that you have or can get planning permission to build. Specialist services are available to help you get an idea of what’s available, but this will represent a significant portion of your build budget so you need to research it thoroughly and choose wisely. Budget – there are plenty of ways to save money with a self-build so your budget can be more flexible than when buying through the traditional route. Detailed financial plans are important to ensure that you have the funds you need available. Specification – from the most basic build to more elaborate projects, you will need to decide on the scope of your build and have an idea of your priorities for your project. Balancing quality and cost is important to ensure you stay on budget, so choosing the right building materials is vital. Involvement – some people choose to take an active role in their build, living on-site and completing as much of the work themselves as they can. Others hire a team to take care of everything, but most fall somewhere in between. It is important to be realistic about how much you can or want to do yourself. Find the right team: Your house build is your top priority, and you want a team that will work with you to ensure that your project comes in on time and on budget. Delays can push costs up, so you need a team that works efficiently and to your plan. A home is so much more than just a roof over your head: it’s a place to share with your family and friends, a space to relax and have fun, and a sanctuary that allows you to shut out the world. A self-build project allows you to choose everything about your home and focus your time and budget on the things that are most important to you. If you research your project thoroughly, you can make the most of others’ experience and expertise to help you maximise your budget. A self-build project could be the secret to finding your dream home with the added satisfaction of a home designed to your specification and with everything on your wish list.

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Henry Brothers completes new £9m centre for enterprise at Nottingham Trent University

Contractor Henry Brothers has completed a new enterprise centre on Nottingham Trent University’s City campus, providing high-quality facilities and extensive business support to entrepreneurs, start-ups, small to medium-sized businesses and larger enterprises. The £9m Dryden Enterprise Centre (DEC) is set over four floors utilising the latest technology and modern facilities including open-plan desk areas, private offices, meeting rooms, event space and communal areas to encourage networking. The DEC will be the new hub through which staff, students, graduates and external businesses can benefit from a range of support, mentoring, networking and training programmes delivered by NTU’s Enterprise team, business experts from Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and associate partners. Ian Taylor, managing director of Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Midlands, main contractors for the development, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege for Henry Brothers to have worked once again with Nottingham Trent University to create another first-class development on campus. “The Dryden Enterprise Centre is an incredible building, with superb detailing. It’s been a fantastic team effort to build this high quality facility which will have a positive impact not only at the university, but also on the wider economy of Nottingham and the East Midlands. Henry Brothers is proud to have played a key role in developing the Dryden Enterprise Centre and I’d like to thank everyone on the team for their vision, skill and hard work.”  Other members of the construction team included architect Evans Vettori, engineers Mott MacDonald, Edge as project manager, Robinson Low Francis as quantity surveyor, with Couch Perry Wilkes handling the M&E elements. The building itself has been constructed to meet NTU’s sustainability credentials. It utilises features such as plants to add oxygen, remove CO² and promote wellbeing as well as the use of concrete for its thermal mass benefits.  The Dryden Enterprise Centre – the third facility built by Henry Brothers for NTU – will link industry and academics, enabling them to work together on projects and challenges, creating a community of collaboration and connectivity. Businesses will also have access to tailored support to help them achieve their business goals such as funding support, access to upskilling opportunities or recruitment help. The Dryden Enterprise Centre has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, who will continue to support the work of the DEC until March 2022. Michael Carr, Executive Dean of Enterprise at Nottingham Trent University, said: “After three years in the making, I am very excited that Nottingham Trent is opening the doors on our new Dryden Enterprise Centre. “The work of the centre will build on our success in creating and supporting enterprises to grow, utilising a purpose-built building and state of the art facilities. We look forward to welcoming a range of co-locatees as we open and then see this develop into a flourishing enterprise community over the next couple of years.” Henry Brothers Midlands, based at Priory Court, Derby Road, Beeston, is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. In partnership with clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, accommodation, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. Its portfolio of higher education work at Nottingham Trent University includes a new £23m engineering facility and a new Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF), both built on NTU’s Clifton Campus. It has also completed work at Loughborough University and is currently building a new net zero carbon nursery and forest school at Staffordshire University. For more information, visit https://henrybrothers.co.uk/ For more information about the Dryden Enterprise Centre, including the range of membership options available, visit https://www.dec.space/about/

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PLANS FOR HULL’S FORMER HSBC BUILDING ON WHITEFRIARGATE REVEALED

DETAILS have been revealed for the redevelopment of the former HSBC building on Whitefriargate in Hull city centre, which will see the site create a thriving home for creative, digital and tech businesses. An eclectic mix of heritage and creativity, the development will combine high-tech workspaces with places to connect and socialise in the heart of Hull’s old town. The city centre location will feature individual and shared workspaces, meeting room facilities – suitable for video conference calls, podcast sound booths, a private members club and restaurant facilities. Gerard Toplass, local businessman and executive chairman of Pagabo, one of one of the businesses driving the refurbishment, said: “This building is a prime example of why you should never look down when you are in Hull. You should always look up to make sure that you don’t miss any of the city’s truly tremendous architecture – including this striking Grade II listed Victorian building.   “We’re really excited and proud to have revealed plans for Hull’s former HSBC building. Being one of the city’s oldest streets, Whitefriargate backs onto the old town and is a fundamental part of Hull’s heritage. “There has been a lot of residential development happening in Hull and the surrounding areas, which will no doubt attract new businesspeople to the city. We want to support the local community by creating opportunities for individuals and businesses to thrive, as well as further cementing Hull as a hub for local, national and international businesses to both grow and succeed.” The refurbished building will be the home to several businesses headquartered out of Hull, including national framework provider Pagabo, software management company Sypro and their partner company, Social Profit Calculator. Gerard continued: “Another fundamentally important element that we hope 55 Whitefriargate will provide for companies is a space to train and upskill their staff via ‘learning’ days. We believe that it’s important for modern-day employers to be able to offer their workforce opportunities for self-growth and personal development on their own premises, and we believe that this new facility will do just that. “It has been great working alongside local contractors and Hull City Council to bring our vision to life, and I would like to personally thank them for their ongoing support.” Lettings are being managed by Garness Jones, with high initial demand seeing the entirety of the ground floor space already fulfilled. Space and flexible terms remain available for the building’s first, second, third and fourth floors. For more information about 55 Whitefriargate or to register your interest, please visit https://bit.ly/3cTPkjg.

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Windermere Marina development makes great progress as building structures complete

Caddick Construction is making strong progress on the delivery of 25 exclusive properties at Windermere Marina Village, with the structure of the buildings now complete. The development will provide 23 luxury apartments over four-storeys and two townhouses, all offering a waterfront view. Built in locally sourced stone and slate, they surround the modern 400 berth marina with its popular Boathouse Bar and Restaurant. Derek Billows from Caddick Construction said: “We are making great progress on site and will complete this luxury development towards the end of this year. With many of the properties already sold off plan, it will bring a welcome boost to the local economy.” Windermere Marina Village is less than a mile to the south of Bowness on Windermere with easy access to the southern Lake District. A popular holiday destination, the village offers a variety of holiday lettings in apartments, townhouses and boathouses. Jason Dearden, Managing Director of Windermere Marina Ltd, said: “Windermere Marina is a vital part of the local tourism sector. Delivering more homes here will further boost the local economy and create even more vitality at this popular destination. The development is of the highest specification and has proved hugely popular, I suspect we may sell all of the properties before they complete at the end of the year.”   The project further strengthens Caddick Constructions Kendal office, which recently completed the Furness Peninsula Blue Light Hub project at Ulverston, Gateway 44 Retail Park in Carlisle and a variety of luxury car dealerships across Cumbria.

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Why Branded Umbrellas Are The Perfect Corporate Gift

The importance of branded merchandise as corporate gifts can’t be undermined in today’s business environment. It’s a fact that it’s not just customers who judge your company by the products it sells, but suppliers, business partners, and employees, too. A well-presented corporate gift bag with your logo imprinted on it will go far in winning over clients and stakeholders. But this doesn’t mean that you should just hand out any kind of branded merchandise as corporate giveaways – instead, you should have a plan for giving out the best corporate gifts that your company has selected. Giving out corporate gifts has many advantages for your business – the first and foremost is awareness for your brand. But you’ll want your company to look professional in the eyes of your current and prospective customers. How can branded merchandise help your company grow? It will help you win over your business partners and strengthen your ties with them, thereby significantly boosting your reputation in the industry. Branded corporate giveaways help cost-effectively promote your organization. Every business can turn to branded merchandise to increase its visibility in the market. Valuable gift items like branded umbrellas create a significant impact on your clients, boosting trust and loyalty in your business. Branded corporate giveaways are popular because they’re relatively inexpensive and can easily be customized and so that you can distribute items that align with your branding and mission. If you’re looking for the proper merchandise to give as gifts to your clients, here are some reasons why branded umbrellas should be on top of your list: 1. Functional An ideal corporate gift has not only form but also function. There’s no use in giving out fancy branded bags if the items have no practical use. Valuable products and merchandise tend to be appreciated by recipients. An example of a functional branded promotional item is an umbrella.  An umbrella is the perfect corporate gift idea for any occasion. It’s a practical and flexible item to give, which your recipients will appreciate. It’s branded merchandise that you can easily keep in stock, making it one of the most direct items to distribute amongst your clients and even your employees. 2. Unisex When it comes to giving promotional items for corporate events and meetings, an umbrella is one of the most popular options. You’ll find that an umbrella has a practical purpose and can be used by both men and women. Umbrellas are one-size-fits-all, gender-neutral corporate gifts that combine form and function. 3. Durability All you need is the right supplier of high-quality umbrellas, and you’ll be able to choose from a range of designs. Some are simplistic, while others incorporate features such as rain covers and straps for added support and versatility. If you’re looking for something a little more stylish, you simply need to get in touch with a professional giveaways company like Steel City Marketing to obtain the best products. 4. Stylish Who said umbrellas have to be boring? There are many designs and colors to choose from, you’ll be able to find one that’s durable and stylish. You’ll also discover that umbrellas can look very sleek when they have been customized in many different ways. Your customers and business partners will enjoy receiving a corporate gift that’s functional and elegant. 5. Versatile Branded umbrellas can be used for numerous purposes, such as corporate promotional gifts and general company appreciation events. These promotional items are available in different materials that can withstand rugged use. You can choose simple umbrellas with your company name and contact information or one with a bolder design with your logo strategically placed for other people to see. Your corporate gift recipients immediately become your brand ambassadors when they use the branded umbrellas. 6. Marketing Tool As you go about doing your business, you may be wondering what marketing tool can help enhance your business’s growth and profitability. Branding merchandise has been proven to work that’s why it’s popular in most companies. This is done by imprinting your name or logo on the umbrellas so that the end-user knows what product or service you’re offering. It helps you stand apart from your competition as it builds awareness about your product and services. Takeaway One of the most important things to remember when purchasing corporate gifts is that you should make sure that the items you choose will help your business succeed. At the same time, it may seem like a simple idea; deciding the wrong things could mean that your efforts fall flat. Make sure you’re selecting quality gifts that will help you promote your business and establish your brand instead of just using them as a way to impress your clients. A quality umbrella is a perfect example of a great and long-lasting business gift!

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PLANS SUBMITTED FOR 116 BUILD-TO-RENT HOMES IN ELY

UK residential and commercial property developer Godwin Developments has submitted proposals for 116 build-to-rent (BTR) homes and flexible commercial space in Ely, Cambridgeshire. The scheme, named Cathedral Green, has been designed to create an ‘urban village’ style community for residents of various ages and will deliver much-needed quality housing for the city and surrounding areas. Located in Angel Drove, at the southern entry point into the city, the development proposes the creation of 57 two- and three-bedroom houses with private gardens, 59 one- and two-bedroom low-rise apartments including balconies, as well as 122 resident and guest parking spaces. Devised specifically for the rental market, the scheme will also incorporate a 1,457sq. m. three-storey commercial building, which will provide additional flexible working space in the area. Designed to offer a modern interpretation of the local architectural character, the Cathedral Green scheme will feature extensively landscaped open spaces intended to host community activities and become places for neighbours to meet and socialise. It will include a woodland walk that will seamlessly link the development to the wildlife site at the rear of the scheme, as well as natural play areas for children, a teens’ retreat and exercise space. At the heart of the development will be a reimagined village green, which will be car-free to support the creation of a safe zone for pedestrians and children. Specific emphasis will also be given to enhancing links between the development and the established local communities nearby. The plans will improve the currently overgrown footpaths as well as maintain existing connections with the Kings Ely School located to the north of the site. In doing so, it will form a natural link between the scheme and the existing woodland, while also promoting safety and accessibility for existing and future residents. Gurdeep Gill, associate director at Godwin Developments, said: “We are delighted to have submitted plans for our latest BTR housing development in Ely, created specifically to cater to rising demand for single-family homes in regional towns and cities. Our proposals seek to deliver a scheme that will fit well into the local area and improve its appeal to a wide range of residents, while also bringing new homes and jobs to Ely. “Aligned with East Cambridge District Council’s Development Plan, the scheme combines modern living with green and flexible working spaces, supporting quality of life and well-being for residents while enhancing the biodiversity of the area and the wider city. “We would like to thank the City of Ely Council and the Ely community for engaging with us constructively throughout the development process and helping us to shape the scheme that has been put forward. We would also like to acknowledge the contribution of our extended team of partners including planning consultants Rapleys, architects RG&P, engineering specialists Jackson Purdue Lever and landscape architects Macfarlane + Associates.” The Cathedral Green development will be located within a 10-minute walk from Ely City Centre and a range of local amenities such as food stores, schools, and a doctor’s surgery. The site is a mere 300 meters away from Ely Train Station, which offers regular trains to Cambridge, London Kings Cross, Stanstead Airport and further afield. It is also positioned for convenient access to the A10 – the main arterial route to Cambridge, Peterborough and London, and is well serviced by a local bus route leading to Ely City Centre and Cambridge. A range of local leisure and interest facilities are also nearby, including Ely Cathedral, Ely Marina, Ely Castle Mount and Cherry Hill Park. James Mulcare, head of residential capital markets at Godwin Developments, said: “Residential investment – and particularly BTR – is a key focus for our business. Our aim is to build the next generation of purpose-built rental accommodation for residents seeking quality homes and superior service. At the same time, we are also catering for the growing demand for long term stable income opportunities from investors. “Cathedral Green, which will be the first BTR scheme in Ely, is a new style of development just for rent, designed to attract a mix of residents, including families, single-person households, couples and independent senior residents – creating a truly multigenerational community. It will cater to a growing requirement for homes in suburban destinations, commuter towns and regional cities, that benefit from proximity to key areas of employment, access to nearby transport, private and public green spaces, amenities and local places of interest.  “When complete, the development will be under single institutional ownership and it will be professionally operated and maintained to ensure it remains a welcoming home to its occupants and an asset to the city for many years to come.” Godwin Developments is currently progressing a number of other residential schemes across the country, including the recently announced 23-storey development in Sheffield city centre, ‘The Meridian’, which will see the creation of a 336-apartment BTR scheme, alongside recent planning success for its suburban BTR scheme in Doncaster which will deliver 60 BTR properties, as well as approval for two residential schemes in Nottingham which will provide 102 family homes. For further information on Godwin Developments, visit https://www.godwingroup.co.uk/developments/.

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