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Kenneth Booth

STEPNELL CEMENTS CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS WITH NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDS

Kenneth Booth April 23, 2021

COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell has made progress on four commercial schemes for long-standing clients throughout the East Midlands, helping to boost economic growth across the region and supporting the expansion of local businesses.  These projects include a scheme for repeat client MHR – a HR, payroll and analytics software and services firm. After recently completing works on the business’

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£3.9m expansion complete at Staffordshire secondary school

Kenneth Booth April 23, 2021

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has handed over construction works for the £3.9m expansion and renovation of King Edward VI School in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Delivered on behalf of Staffordshire County Council, under the Staffordshire Construction framework, the works comprised of an extension to an existing building and the construction of

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Startup property firm tips

Kenneth Booth April 23, 2021

Building a property firm from scratch is going to take all of your energy. Property isn’t easy. Every property is big and cumbersome and they all want to fail on you. Every single last constituent piece of property – from the windows to the door handles – is constructed from

Read More »

3 steps to becoming an electrician

Kenneth Booth April 23, 2021

Working as an electrician is a career that is both satisfying and rewarding in equal measure, so it is no surprise that plenty of people aspire to entering this profession, and there is also a large amount of demand for experts in this field nationwide. Of course there are a

Read More »

5 ways to upgrade your back patio for Summer

Kenneth Booth April 23, 2021

With the summers fast approaching with warm temperatures and longer hours of daylight, it is time to have a look at your back patio to see if it is summer-ready. You might have to make some backyard improvements as well to ad more functionality and value to your home. If

Read More »

RENEWABLE ENERGY SUPPLIED TO 93% OF RENDALL & RITTNER PORTFOLIO

Kenneth Booth April 22, 2021

Leading residential property manager Rendall & Rittner has appointed Ecotricity to supply carbon neutral gas across its property portfolio, as well as retaining Ecotricity as its electricity supplier in an annual contract worth nearly £17 million. Britain’s greenest energy provider will supply over £14 million of renewable electricity to 93%

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Affordable housing development completed near Birmingham

Kenneth Booth April 22, 2021

A housing association has completed work on a social housing development near Birmingham.  Platform Housing Group – which has its headquarters in the Midlands – has finalised 10 new homes in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield.  It is the social landlord’s latest development within the area, which offers 3 bedroom homes for shared ownership.    The Padstone Drive scheme – just off Douglas

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Town planning ‘heroes’ to be recognised at RTPI Awards 2021

Kenneth Booth April 22, 2021

The innovative work of planners in response to the Covid-19 pandemic is to be recognised at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2021. Finalists in the Planning Heroes in a Pandemic category at this year’s RTPI Awards are: Amos Ellis Consulting The team at planning consultancy

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Latest Issue
Issue 344 : Sep 2026

Kenneth Booth

STEPNELL CEMENTS CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS WITH NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDS

Kenneth Booth April 23, 2021

COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell has made progress on four commercial schemes for long-standing clients throughout the East Midlands, helping to boost economic growth across the region and supporting the expansion of local businesses.  These projects include a scheme for repeat client MHR – a HR, payroll and analytics software and services firm. After recently completing works on the business’ new car park, the construction firm has been appointed to build its new £9 million two-storey office building with associated under-croft parking, which includes a Grade A fit out, associated mechanical and electrical installation, and hard and soft landscaping.  Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Our East Midlands office is working hard to support business growth and commercial development in the region in a bid to facilitate economic recovery – both locally and on a national scale. By establishing solid relationships with existing clients, we’ve been able to pick up new commercial projects that will help to expand our portfolio and contribute towards the government’s ‘Build Back Better’ initiative.”  John Mills, chairman at MHR International, said: “At MHR, we are looking to offer our employees the best working environment possible. Last year Stepnell successfully completed our new multi-storey car park project and we are delighted to continue this relationship with phase five of our plan to build two new two-storey office buildings. This will further enhance our facilities at our Britannia House site, which are due to open in March 2022.”  Stepnell’s East Midlands schemes also include two Leicester project completions for Brackley Property Developments, which commissioned the construction of two purpose-built office buildings.  Brackley’s first development, located in the city’s Waterside Regeneration quarter, includes the creation of an attractively designed two-storey office building with ancillary facilities, car and bicycle parking and on-site landscaping.  Tom continued: “With a breadth of experience working on commercial schemes, the team has been able to expertly navigate the limitations of the pandemic to remain on site throughout lockdown, implementing strict health and safety precautions in order to keep our staff members safe and our projects on schedule.”  Brackley’s three-storey high Dock 2 extension of the Dock campus at Pioneer Park in Leicester has also reached completion, boasting 14 individual commercial workspace units for expanding and new businesses. This building will help to support the growth of technology and knowledge-based businesses in the city, offering office and light industrial workspace across three floors.  Stepnell has also started on site at Parker Offices in Market Harborough on behalf of Parker of Leicester Ltd. The scheme, which has been designed by Corporate Architecture Ltd, was awarded to Stepnell following the successful completion of two previous residential projects with Corporate Architecture Ltd and a competitive two-stage tender process, in which the team demonstrated its commitment to the client’s programme drawing on its broad experience and expertise in this sector.  The development includes the creation of a new, three-storey office building with associated drainage, external works and service connections to provide high-end office space for the client to inhibit and lease to local businesses. Stepnell will also be creating a roof top terrace, kitchen facilities and a 32-space car park – incorporating exposed hardwood and external stone detailing to reflect the building’s surroundings.   Tom said: “Establishing strong relationships with our clients is essential, so it’s always rewarding when we win work off the success of previous projects. Client care is a key part of our company ethos and something we take great pride in, so working on multiple projects with clients or receiving recommendations from businesses we’ve worked with in the past helps to reiterate the high-quality work that goes into each and every build.”  To find out more about Stepnell, visit https://www.stepnell.co.uk or join the conversation at @Stepnellltd.      

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£3.9m expansion complete at Staffordshire secondary school

Kenneth Booth April 23, 2021

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has handed over construction works for the £3.9m expansion and renovation of King Edward VI School in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Delivered on behalf of Staffordshire County Council, under the Staffordshire Construction framework, the works comprised of an extension to an existing building and the construction of a new modular building for the school. Construction works at the co-educational comprehensive began in May 2020, and the extension and refurbishment will now allow the school, which takes on pupils aged 11 to 18, to increase its intake by 30 places a year, providing an additional 150 places in total. The new three-storey extension, which was phase one of the works, was constructed on the site of a former swimming pool that had been closed for over ten years. It now houses enhanced teaching and auxiliary spaces, as well as an administration area on the lower ground floor that features a new student services area. Phase two, which completed in October last year, involved the installation of a brand new standalone modern modular structure to provide enhanced science laboratory teaching facilities, which replaced existing accommodation and obsolete prefabricated buildings at the site. Due to the scheme being completed by the contractor on time and to budget, G F Tomlinson was awarded further refurbishment works at the school, which included window replacements in the main hall, as well as new windows, ceilings, floors and interactive whiteboards in a number of classrooms. The contractor also provided external works as an add on to the original scheme which included new railings, fencing, outdoor steps and re-surfacing works. This is the second scheme G F Tomlinson has completed through the Staffordshire Construction framework for Staffordshire County Council, with current projects including works at Anker Valley Primary School in Tamworth, and Greenwood Healthcare Centre in Burntwood. Chris Flint, director at G F Tomlinson, said: “Completed on time and to budget, the team have been phenomenal throughout the works at King Edward VI School and have done the G F Tomlinson name proud. This has been proven through the awarding of further works at the school, which were delivered to an excellent standard. “It’s been amazing to form a strong new relationship with the school and further build on our existing relationships with Staffordshire County Council, Arc Partnership and Entrust Property Services. We’re pleased to be handing over the expansion works ahead of the new school year to allow for essential education places.” Dan Maher, managing director at Arc Partnership, commented: “The collaboration between Staffordshire County Council, G F Tomlinson, Entrust Property Services and Arc Partnership is testament to the successful delivery of the extension and new modular building at King Edward VI School.” Helen Riley, deputy CXO and director for Families and Communities at Staffordshire County Council, said: “This work has enabled King Edward VI School to expand, meaning it can meet the increase in demand in the area for secondary school places. As well as creating extra space for staff and pupils, the construction has really transformed the school, making it a bright and welcoming place for present and future pupils.” Jane Rutherford, headteacher at King Edward VI School, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the new and refurbished accommodation, the students and staff are already seeing the benefits of improved learning environments.  “It has been a complex project, but at every stage we have worked together to find the most effective way to secure the best outcome for the school. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with G F Tomlinson; the attention to detail and the consideration for the needs of the school has helped secure best value and high quality. The project team from Staffordshire County Council, Entrust and G F Tomlinson have brought long-held ambitions to life and we now have accommodation that matches the high standards of achievement at King Edward VI School.”                         Arc Partnership provided architectural and engineering services and Entrust Property Services provided project management services. Ideal Modular, part of G F Tomlinson’s existing supply chain, delivered the modular element of this project.

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MC Construction goes for gold in a bid to raise £10,000 for cancer research

Kenneth Booth April 23, 2021

MC Construction, a leading construction firm based in Salford, will raise more than £10,000 for North West Cancer Research, to mark its 50th anniversary. The golden anniversary challenge will see the firm’s employees come together to walk, run, cycle or swim a combined total of 10,700 miles – which is the distance from its headquarters in Salford to Australia’s Gold Coast. As well as the golden anniversary challenge, a calendar of bespoke fundraising activities is planned throughout the year, including an 11,000 ft sky dive for six of the firm’s daredevil employees in May. North West Cancer Research was chosen as MC Construction’s charity of choice, following a survey in which staff overwhelmingly voted for the charity. North West Cancer Research is an independent charity dedicated to putting the region’s cancer needs first, funding pioneering research to tackle the cause, improve the care and find the cure for cancer. The charity currently funds 50 life-saving cancer research projects across the region. MC Construction has opted to raise money to pay for the laboratory supplies needed for an innovative prostate cancer project, the most common male cancer in the North West. There is currently no effective screening programme to help early diagnosis and the project hopes to discover ways to improve detection rates. As part of the firm’s commitment to the health and well-being of its employees, it will also launch a series of educational and awareness programmes to help staff better recognise symptoms and encourage regular checks and GP visits. Dave Lowe, Managing Director at MC Construction, said: “For this very special 50th year we wanted to support to a local charity whose cause was close to the hearts of our employees. “Through North West Cancer Research, we can directly contribute towards vital, pioneering work in cancer prevention, detection and cure in our region.” Alastair Richards, CEO at North West Cancer Research, said: “We are grateful to MC Construction for naming us as their charity of choice this year. “As an independent charity, we rely solely on the donations from businesses and individuals to help us continue our mission to reduce cancer rates in the North West and achieve a cancer-free future for all. We would like to offer our congratulations to MC Construction on their Golden Anniversary and wish them luck for their fundraising challenges ahead.” You can donate towards MC Construction’s Going for Gold challenge here. To find out more about the work being carried out by North West Cancer Research and ways to support the charity visit its website www.nwcr.org.

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Startup property firm tips

Kenneth Booth April 23, 2021

Building a property firm from scratch is going to take all of your energy. Property isn’t easy. Every property is big and cumbersome and they all want to fail on you. Every single last constituent piece of property – from the windows to the door handles – is constructed from materials that will serve a purpose for an amount of time before they will need to be replaced. As nice as it would be to replace everything at once and know that your renovations are complete for a decade, it doesn’t work like that. Things fail at different times, and your property business must be awake to the very real issues, lest your company will fail as fast as you started it. Starting a company can in itself be stormy waters, regardless of the industry. For example, if you don’t keep track of your outgoings by using expense tracking software, you could find yourself unable to survive year one simply due to poor expenses management.  Let’s look at what else you need to cover. Stick to what you know Buying property is fraught with hidden woes. Not to boggle your mind, but issues with plumbing, electrics, subsidence, and dampness can all ruin your plans. Then there’s the issue of how local developments could affect property prices. Your homework is never complete when it comes to property ownership. In short, stick to what you know. If you have knowledge of owning and renting out medical properties, keep doing that (at least for now). If you suddenly switch and decide to expand into properties befitting the leisure and tourism industries, for example, you will soon find that you are out of your depth. Property is much easier to conquer when you level the playing field with an in-depth knowledge of maintenance in relation to the building’s purpose. Invest as a group Group investments aren’t for everybody. Some people want to take all of the glory. And that is fair enough. Your property startup is your baby, and you have to do what you think is best. If sharing the decision-making element of property ownership isn’t something you can abide by, group investments are a non-starter. However, never say never. Group investments can minimise risk and bring in expert knowledge. You can put very little money down, learn from others, and still benefit from a revenue stream. Now, that doesn’t sound too bad, does it? Especially for a startup brand that is eager to learn the trade and minimise any losses. Patience – learn to spot value and act fast When you bought your first house (assuming you are a homeowner), you probably fell into the same trap as everyone else when viewing properties. Which is to say, you shopped around for too long without really knowing what you were doing, only to eventually find out your first-choice house was snapped up by someone else. The property business is brutally fast and fair – whoever puts the money down first and signs the contracts will get what they paid for. Make sure you learn to ask the right questions and don’t be afraid to act when the chips fall in your favour.

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3 steps to becoming an electrician

Kenneth Booth April 23, 2021

Working as an electrician is a career that is both satisfying and rewarding in equal measure, so it is no surprise that plenty of people aspire to entering this profession, and there is also a large amount of demand for experts in this field nationwide. Of course there are a few obstacles to overcome and requirements to fulfil along the way, so here is a look at the main steps you will need to take to become a fully qualified electrician. Focus on relevant subjects at school If you are still in full time education, but you one day hope to become an electrician, then it is worth thinking about which subjects will be most valuable once you embark upon your chosen career path in the future. Both physics and maths are useful for electricians, as are technical subjects. It is also important to develop good English skills, as while the job may be hands-on in a lot of respects, it still requires plenty of reading of technical documents, and being able to interpret potentially complex instructions successfully is definitely important. Choose training courses First and foremost you need to make sure that you have the right education and training under your belt in order to work at the forefront of this industry niche and also command the most competitive salaries. There are a whole host of electrician training courses available, as well as different routes to take, some of which may suit you more than others depending on your existing experience and your circumstances. For example, many electricians get their start as part of an apprenticeship scheme, which will see you stewarded through the learning process by an existing specialist. At the same time you may also choose to participate in a Level 3 qualification scheme, at the end of which you will receive an NVQ diploma in a particular area, such as electrical maintenance or installations. It is this combination of training and on-the-job experience which allows new electricians to accumulate the abilities and knowledge that will ultimately allow them to qualify and seek full time employment. One thing worth noting is that training courses also differ in terms of the length of time they take to complete. For an NVQ-level qualification you will need to spend between 2 and 4 years completing the course in all, which of course requires that you factor in the combination of studying and practical working. Shorter courses are available, such as becoming a domestic installer, which can be completed in around a month. However if you want to attain a nationally recognised qualification, then you will need to make a commitment for several years to achieve this. Find work once you are qualified While you may be capable of completing the training needed to become an electrician, the next challenge on the road to making this your career is actually getting a job after you are finished with your studies or your apprenticeship. If you have been part of an apprenticeship scheme, then you may be able to move straight into working within the organisation that you were apprenticed by, and this is usually something that larger operations may be more willing to accommodate, although it is not a given. If, on the other hand, you have qualified with a study-only Level 3 NVQ diploma, then you will need to look for your first job in the industry. As there are lots of construction and housing projects ongoing nationally at the moment, you may find that being flexible in terms of where you are based could help you a lot, as there may be more demand for electricians in a particular location so long as you are willing to travel or even relocate for the work, if only on a temporary basis. Another option is to work independently as a domestic electrician, seeing to the needs of customers in a given geographic area and effectively being your own boss. This is potentially appealing because of the level of control it gives you over the trajectory of your career, but also daunting because of the additional admin involved in running your own business, even as a sole trader. Hopefully you will now have the means to make your way in the world of work as an electrician; just remember that with patience and perseverance, it could be an ideal career for almost anyone, and will remain in-demand for as long as people and businesses need buildings to occupy.

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5 ways to upgrade your back patio for Summer

Kenneth Booth April 23, 2021

With the summers fast approaching with warm temperatures and longer hours of daylight, it is time to have a look at your back patio to see if it is summer-ready. You might have to make some backyard improvements as well to ad more functionality and value to your home. If you do not make those changes in time, probably, you would not be able to enjoy the summers and your patio to the full. So, start well ahead in time and make the essential improvements needed for the patio in the backyard. You will be amazed that how with just a little effort, you can turn your backyard patio into a heavenly oasis for your family this summer. Here are some simple and effective ideas to spruce up the back patio for summer this year. Add a fire pit- If your patio is still missing out on a fire pit, it is time to give it one. Just give it the classic patio upgrade with a stacked stone fireplace and with a supply of fuel. It is a great idea to build a customized fire pit and make it a fun and satisfying project. A fire pit is much needed for those cooler nighttime temperatures and extends the life of and entertainment at the patio. So, a fire pit is indeed one of the best things to happen to your backyard or patio. Nothing is better than enjoying good company while sitting around a warm, soothing fire on a cool summer night. Enhance the outdoor living space- Refurnish the patio and add some useful furniture items. It could be comfy seats with a table set or a sofa with chairs and a coffee table. Just make sure to have a heavenly arrangement with flowy curtains to create an absolutely enchanting atmosphere at night. One can also go for customized patio chairs that are not only comfortable but easy to carry, fold and store. Install some lights- Adding a string of lights is indeed one of the most enjoyable and great ideas to liven up that patio in the backyard. Those stringing lights across the patio indeed brighten up space and do not cost much. So, now you can enjoy the outdoors even more and once the sun goes down. Moreover, it is an easy and simple addition to the backyard that is well within every budget. A grill – Why not add a natural gas grill in the outdoors and near your patio? Grill the choices of food cuts and meats in the company for your family and friends. Now you need not worry about running out of charcoal or propane as a natural gas line will ensure that you will always have the fuel for outdoor grill. Look for a commercial-grade quality with high-end performance and innovative features for the ultimate outdoor grill. Only go for the good quality grills with great performance and some useful features. Have an outdoor bar- Nothing could be better than having an outdoor bar located at the right place on the backyard patio. You could make good use of every inch of the patio space and can even add an outdoor television and enjoy your favorite shows or sports with your favorite drink. A built-in fridge or cooler is just perfect for that outdoor bar on the patio. Today, people look forward to socializing and entertaining friends and family on their backyard patio. Whether one wants to enjoy a simple evening with friends for some happy hours or plan a special dinner, just keep the above-listed ideas for a  convenient and cost-effective way to make your [patio a lot more livable and fun.

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The Advantages of Mirrored Bedroom Furniture as a Design Element

Kenneth Booth April 23, 2021

Mirrors are designed to reflect the person or item placed in front of them. Most commonly, you find mirrors hanging on a wall, attached to a dresser, and placed above bathroom vanities. Their most common function is to help you get ready in the morning to make sure your make-up is on just right and your hair and outfit look perfect. However, mirrors can also double as a design element. It’s not uncommon to see an accent mirror hanging on a wall in common areas such as the living room or even a hallway. Mirrored furniture is rising in popularity, and it’s not just for your main living areas. Mirrored bedroom wardrobes, cabinets, and even the chest of drawers offers a unique atmosphere that works with any bedroom style, including traditional, rustic, contemporary, and modern. This is your guide to the advantages mirrored bedroom furniture offers and why you should consider stepping outside of the box on traditional design methods. Dual Functionality Mirrored furniture is highly versatile and does not just function as storage space. It’s not about being vain and staring at yourself for hours on end in the mirror. However, sometimes you need to take a brief look at yourself to make sure your shirt is still tucked in, your hair still looks good, or that your make-up isn’t smudged. Mirrored bedroom furniture offers you chances to catch glimpses of your outfit as you pass by without having to stop what you are doing to check your look in the bathroom mirror or, worse, the camera on your phone. Whether you’re headed out the door or hosting a dinner party, you want to make sure you keep your look together. Conversational Piece Everybody loves a good conversational piece, and every room needs a focal point. Mirrored furniture is definitely a unique design that you do not see every day. Choosing one or two mirrored furniture pieces such as a mirrored wardrobe creates a focal point for your bedroom and makes for a great conversation piece. Now that you have your focal point, you can build out the rest of the room’s décor based on your tastes and preferences. Brightens the Room Bright rooms instantly lift your mood and make for a light, airy, and clean atmosphere. Mirrors reflect everything in front of them. This includes people, furniture, and even sunlight. Strategically arranged mirrored furniture reflects the natural sunlight that already comes in through the windows and significantly brightens the space, giving your room a lighter, breezier feel. For instance, if you’ve got a dark corner in your room that you’d like to shed a little light on, place a piece of mirror furniture so that it catches the natural light and reflects it to that corner. Instantly your bedroom will feel brighter. Other mirrors to shine a light in your room is the Convex Mirror, when added to the right area of your room it will have a great effect. Makes the Room Feel Larger Due to its reflective properties, mirrored furniture can make even the smallest of bedrooms feel much larger. Unlike traditional pieces of furniture, mirrored pieces create the optical illusion of taking up less space because they have a transparent sleek look and feel. Easy to Match with Any Style Décor Whether you are starting fresh with your décor or looking to integrate furniture into an existing bedroom theme, mirrored furniture is the easiest to match with any style of décor. It is one of the most interior friendly solutions for your bedroom. Whether you like rustic, modern, contemporary, traditional, industrial, etc. Low Maintenance Your days are busy enough as it is. The last thing you need is to have furniture that requires regular maintenance. High-quality mirrored bedroom furniture is made from tempered glass and is extremely durable and resistant to scratches and breakage. If it does sustain an impact hard enough to break the glass, then a special film keeps the glass shards together and prevents them from spraying everywhere.  It’s naturally resistant to water spills and can even withstand high levels of humidity without damage. There’s no need to worry about your furniture fading or stains. Cleaning mirrored furniture is simple. All it needs is a quick wipe down every couple of weeks with a quality glass cleaner. This will keep it looking brand new for years to come.   Ready to Give Your Bedroom a Mirrored Makeover? The best furniture is the kind that is efficient, adds value to the space, and is functional. Furniture is a long-term investment and not a decision to be taken lightly. Whether you are furnishing a new bedroom or your current one just needs a makeover, mirrored furniture is a great option, especially if you are working with a small space. Enjoy the ease of styling, durability, low maintenance, and light that the mirrors will bring to your bedroom. Makes your space one that you will enjoy for decades!

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RENEWABLE ENERGY SUPPLIED TO 93% OF RENDALL & RITTNER PORTFOLIO

Kenneth Booth April 22, 2021

Leading residential property manager Rendall & Rittner has appointed Ecotricity to supply carbon neutral gas across its property portfolio, as well as retaining Ecotricity as its electricity supplier in an annual contract worth nearly £17 million. Britain’s greenest energy provider will supply over £14 million of renewable electricity to 93% of the communal areas of the 80,000 homes managed by Rendall & Rittner over the next 12 months. It will also supply almost £2.65 million worth of gas to the communal areas of the residential developments. Together the gas and electricity represent a saving of over 27,000 metric tonnes of carbon compared to using energy from non-renewable sources – this is the equivalent to the amount of carbon emitted by driving 138 million miles in an average car. The UK set a new record for renewable energy this year, demonstrating Britain’s growing demand for greener electricity. Renewable energy made up 47% of Britain’s electricity generation in the first quarter of 2020[1], including wind, solar and hydro power. With green energy supply on the increase, it is up to users and those in charge of procurement to make choices that benefit the environment. For Rendall & Rittner acting in an environmentally responsible manner is a high priority and also makes good business sense. Catherine Riva, Director at Rendall & Rittner comments: “Our partnership with Ecotricity means that 93% of our properties are supplied with completely renewable electricity and the communal areas of the developments have a carbon neutral gas supply. Crucially this type of bulk procurement deal also means we can offer excellent value to residents and leaseholders by buying our utilities at the best price. We are committed to making all of our properties as environmentally friendly as possible as well as helping our residents make greener choices.” The world’s first green energy supplier, Ecotricity was founded in 1995 by Dale Vince. The electricity it supplies is 100% green and made from the wind and sun. Much of its gas is produced by green gasmills which make biogas from grass, and for the remainder, any carbon emissions are offset.  The company produces around a fifth of it itself and the rest it buys from other green generators. Ecotricity is the only energy company recognised by the Vegan Society for generating vegan electricity. The company has the lowest carbon cost per customer in the UK and aims to be carbon neutral by 2025. Paul Sands, Growth Director, Ecotricity, said: “Switching to green energy is one of the easiest ways for businesses and homes to reduce their carbon footprint and impact on the planet, by helping keep fossil fuels in the ground where they belong.  We’re proud of our relationship with Rendall & Rittner and pleased to add our carbon-neutralised gas supply into the mix for the year ahead. With Rendall & Rittner’s support we’re helping to build a greener Britain.” [1]https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/894962/Renewables_June_2020.pdf

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Affordable housing development completed near Birmingham

Kenneth Booth April 22, 2021

A housing association has completed work on a social housing development near Birmingham.  Platform Housing Group – which has its headquarters in the Midlands – has finalised 10 new homes in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield.  It is the social landlord’s latest development within the area, which offers 3 bedroom homes for shared ownership.    The Padstone Drive scheme – just off Douglas Road – cost £3.1million and was made possible by grant funding from Homes England and also Group funds.  Those involved in the new development include the developer and architect Village Partnerships Ltd, employer’s agent and construction, design and management advisor Baily Garner LLP; the local authority is Birmingham City Council.  Matthew Topping, Regional Development Manager at Platform Housing Group explained : “These new homes in Sutton Coldfield form a high quality and sustainable affordable housing development that will meet the needs of local people.  Our homes and communities have become increasingly important to us during the last year; and this development of shared ownership homes will help provide local people an affordable route to home ownership.”  Work started on the site – which was formerly garages and caravan storage – in August 2019 with construction complete last month.  All the homes are now either sold or reserved.  Mark Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Village Partnerships said : “We have a strong and well established relationship with Platform Housing Group and were delighted to be appointed to deliver this much needed housing scheme in Sutton Coldfield.  We are all justifiably proud of the outcome and look forward to working with Platform in the future.”  The new development is less than 1 mile away from Sutton Coldfield town centre and local amenities including shops, retail, schools, bars, restaurants and parks.  Platform Housing Group – which owns 46,000 homes in total – completed 1448 homes in 2019/20 (1,598 in 2018/19) at an investment of £258m (£228m in 2018/19).  The Group also built more social rented homes – at a figure of 981 – during the past 2 years in England than any other provider, 523 in 2019/20, almost 33% of the total homes built.  Platform Housing Group’s operating area is from Herefordshire in the West to the Lincolnshire coast in the East, and from the Derbyshire Dales in the North to the Cotswolds in the South.  To register interest in a home please contact Platform Home Ownership at platformhomeownership.com or by emailing sales@platformhg.com.  For further information on the scheme please contact Matt Topping, Regional Development Manager at Platform Housing Group on 07958 805114 or email him at Matthew.Topping@Platformhg.com. 

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Town planning ‘heroes’ to be recognised at RTPI Awards 2021

Kenneth Booth April 22, 2021

The innovative work of planners in response to the Covid-19 pandemic is to be recognised at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2021. Finalists in the Planning Heroes in a Pandemic category at this year’s RTPI Awards are: Amos Ellis Consulting The team at planning consultancy AEC has been shortlisted in the Planning Heroes in a Pandemic category at the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence for its work on multiple complex projects over the past 12 months, including Brent Cross West, London’s first new railway station for over a decade. AEC adapted quickly to shift their engagement to a virtual format as soon as lockdown started and has since offered socially-distanced site visits and regular online community engagement sessions. Cheltenham Borough Council The planning team at Cheltenham Borough Council has been named as a finalist in the Planning Heroes in a Pandemic category at the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence for a range of proactive approaches which have helped the survival of local businesses and organisations. Among the team’s innovative initiatives has been a scheme to allow and fast-track the erection of temporary buildings and structures, creating more space for businesses to accommodate social distancing and safer operations. Land Use Consultants LUC has been shortlisted in the Planning Heroes in a Pandemic category at the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence for its work to allow projects to progress with meaningful and constructive input from key stakeholders and local communities, despite lockdown. Customisable virtual consultation rooms gave the public vital opportunities to interact with graphics, video content and interactive maps, while online consultation ‘hubs’ housed curated sets of project information that could be easily updated. Planning Inspectorate The team at the Planning Inspectorate has been named as a finalist in the Planning Heroes in a Pandemic category at the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence for its work to shift all appeal and infrastructure hearings and plan examinations across England to virtual delivery. With input from key stakeholders, the team rapidly developed a viable option for holding public events across all casework areas remotely, using digital platforms with a telephone dial-in option to facilitate universal access. Michelle Simpson-Gallego Michelle Simpson-Gallego, an Associate Planner at consultancy Pegasus Group, has been named as a finalist in the Planning Heroes in a Pandemic category at the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence for her work to track and report on the response of Local Planning Authorities across England and Wales to the pandemic. The project demonstrated the willingness of a significant proportion of councils to embrace change and new ways of working. Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council The planning team at Barnsley Council have been shortlisted in the Planning Heroes in a Pandemic category at the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence for their ‘business as usual’ approach to an unprecedented situation. A rapid switch to virtual planning committee meetings was evidence of a real team effort between council officers and elected members and allowed the town to remain open for business throughout lockdown. The RTPI’s annual Awards for Planning Excellence are the longest-running and most respected in the UK planning industry. The awards celebrate exceptional examples of planning and the contribution planners make to society not just throughout the UK but internationally. The climax of the ceremony, which will take place on virtual platform, The Awards Room by Evessio, on 29 April, will be the presentation of the Silver Jubilee Cup, awarded to the project adjudged best overall. In total, 93 projects, teams and individuals across 15 categories have been selected by the independent judges this year. A new category for this year is Planning Heroes in a Pandemic, recognising the innovative work of planners in response to Covid-19. The judging panel in 2021 will be chaired by Dyan Currie HonMRTPI, chief planner at Brisbane City Council, Australia and immediate Past President of the Commonwealth Association of Planners. RTPI President Wei Yang FRTPI said: “For more than 40 years, these prestigious awards have celebrated the exceptional work undertaken by town planners. In the middle of a global pandemic, I believe they are more relevant than ever before as we showcase the very best of our profession from all the RTPI’s regions and nations and from countries around the world. “I am particularly pleased to see this year a new category has been created to recognise the incredible commitment and dedication of planners who have risen to the challenge of responding to the impacts of Covid-19 on the planning system. “I wish all the finalists the very best of luck at the ceremony.” Sarah Elliott MRTPI, UK&I Town Planning Lead for Buildings and Places at headline sponsor AECOM, said: “AECOM is proud to once again be a headline sponsor of this year’s RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence. The finalists are a diverse mixture of outstanding examples of planning, including new responses driven by the pandemic and climate change. Once again this demonstrates the breadth of the impact the profession has on quality place making and delivery in the built environment, alongside our resilience to evolve and adapt.”

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