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Kenneth Booth

6 Reasons Workplace Safety Is Vital In A Construction Site

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2021

Safety and health are two of the most important considerations that every employer should take into account. A safety culture is even more critical in the construction industry where hazardous conditions and risky situations are part of an employee’s everyday working environment.  But, other than that, why exactly is workplace

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7 Different Types Of Blinds

Kenneth Booth March 8, 2021

Blinds are essential in your household as they provide privacy for everyone who’s inside. You don’t want other people to take a peep inside your home and see what’s happening. Not only can they invade your privacy, but they might even see the inside of your house and watch where

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LEADING CONSULTANCY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEMALE ENGINEERS OF TOMORROW

Kenneth Booth March 8, 2021

ACCORDING to statistics published by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), a mere 12.37% of all engineers in the UK are female. While it’s no secret that engineering has historically been a male-dominated industry, leading multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy Dice is challenging the stereotype and providing opportunities to encourage more women to

Read More »

ECO measures have benefited just 7% of homes since launch in 2013

Kenneth Booth March 8, 2021

Despite the government’s promise to wage war on fuel poverty across the housing market in England via the implementation of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) initiative back in January 2013, research by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, has found just 7% of properties are in receipt of ECO measures. GetAgent.co.uk

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RIBA approval sees record numbers book Actis online CPD

Kenneth Booth March 8, 2021

Record numbers of people have been booking places on a CPD created by insulation specialist Actis since it became a RIBA-approved training course at the end of 2020. The much-praised and already very popular session on Addressing the performance gap with reflective insulation looks at how to combat thermal bridging

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BARINGS APPOINTS JLL TO LANDMARK AGENCY TEAM

Kenneth Booth March 5, 2021

Strategic Appointment Follows Lettings Success Barings Real Estate, one of the world’s largest diversified real estate investment managers, has appointed JLL to the leasing team at its 180,000 sq ft Landmark development in Manchester City Centre following a series of high-profile transactions at the building. JLL joins CBRE and Colliers

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STEPNELL COMPLETES £12M LUXURY CARE AND RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Kenneth Booth March 5, 2021

CONSTRUCTION firm Stepnell has delivered a new exclusive £12 million care facility in the West Midlands. The state-of-the-art scheme – located in Eastcote, Solihull – was completed in just over 18-months on behalf of luxury care home provider Cinnamon Care Collection, which has been recognised as a top 20 recommended care home

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Latest Issue
Issue 343 : Aug 2026

Kenneth Booth

Packaging company, Kite Packaging, have expanded their ecommerce offering by adding ecommerce boxes to their range.

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2021

The employee-owned packaging company has a vast range of packaging perfectly suited to the ecommerce sector, available on their market leading b2b ecommerce website. Their range of ecommerce boxes are available in 5 sizes and 100% recyclable and biodegradable, making them perfect for customers looking to improve their carbon footprint. Suitable for a wide range of items being sent out in transit, they are perfectly suited to fast paced operations due to their crash lock base design and integrated lid, making them extremely easy to erect and secure. They each have a peel-&-seal adhesive strip for a secure closure and open tear strip ensuring ease of opening for customers, making for a better experience. Aesthetically pleasing and commonly used for items such as homewares, beauty products, retail, accessories and much more. They are perfectly suited to be used in conjunction with Kites wide range of voidfill and tissue paper. For more information, please visit kitepackaging.co.uk.

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6 Reasons Workplace Safety Is Vital In A Construction Site

Kenneth Booth March 9, 2021

Safety and health are two of the most important considerations that every employer should take into account. A safety culture is even more critical in the construction industry where hazardous conditions and risky situations are part of an employee’s everyday working environment.  But, other than that, why exactly is workplace safety crucial on a construction site? 1. It’s the Law Why do you need to implement a safety protocol? National labor laws say you should. Even if accidents don’t happen, an unsafe construction workplace is still a risk. OSHA and other regulatory agencies expect strict and specific standards of safety—both on state and federal levels.  If you don’t adhere to these requirements and regulations, it could lead to penalties and fines that can cause operation problems, or worse shutting your business down.   So, to prevent such a headache, make sure to check your specific state laws regarding workplace safety and consider using a safety software to easily monitor worker safety and comply with these labor laws. 2. Protects the Public More often than not, construction sites are located in busy areas where numerous people may come and go.  An inadequate safety protocol in a construction site can pose risks the public such as falling objects or debris. Without safety practices in place, curious bystanders, more particularly kids, might slip inside the site and cause an accident.  So, by implementing safety and health protocols on your construction sites, you can prevent putting people who are not even connected to the project at risk. 3. Construction Accidents Really Happen Statistics revealed that out of every 5,000 private-industry worker fatalities, 20% are in the construction sector. This means that 1 out of every 5 worker deaths is construction-related. In 2018 alone, construction workers accounted for 47% or 1008 of all fatal work injuries.  Not only that, but the construction sector also produces the most non-fatal injuries, costing companies millions of dollars annually. 1 in every 10 construction workers is injured yearly. A study also revealed that the construction industry’s non-fatal injury rates are up to 71 percent higher than other industries.  Because serious injuries or even fatality is a risk when a construction worker works on the road, climbs a ladder, or operates heavy equipment, safety is crucial. Employers and all workers on a construction site must implement and follow strict safety protocols to prevent cases of accidents and deaths. 4. Reduces Unnecessary Costs and Time A safe construction site is not only about preventing accidents before they happen. It’s also about making sure that every hazard, near miss, or injury is properly reported. Workers should know who to speak to, what details to record, and why it matters to act quickly. Clear reporting can help employers fix dangerous conditions before they become worse. It can also make the situation easier to understand if someone is seriously hurt and needs support. In these cases, guidance from attorney Jess Jordan can help workers and their families understand why proper records, witness details, and medical documentation may be important after a construction-related injury. When reporting is taken seriously, safety becomes part of the daily routine instead of something only discussed after an accident. When an accident happens, you also lose money and time. An injury to your worker or even a death can cause the project to stop. Depending on the severity of the accident, you might also need to conduct an investigation. And work can’t continue while the investigation is underway. Injured workers also mean fewer workers to continue the work, significantly decreasing efficiency and productivity for the day. In addition, accidents can also increase the overall cost of your construction project. Compensation claims for injuries and deaths can drive up your operating costs. Now, if the person injured is actually not part of the construction team, let’s say an individual who happens to pass by, a lawsuit may occur.  In addition, accidents may also cause damages to your supplies or equipment. You’ll need these repaired or replaced, further increasing your cost.  If you keep your construction site safe and secure, you can limit these risks, allowing you to finish your project on time while sticking to the budget. 5. Good for Your Brand’s Image Business image is everything. How clients view your premises and construction sites can determine your chance of winning your next job contract.  Safety protocols in a construction site are easily visible to discerning eyes. How your worksite, factory, or office looks reflects how you care about your people and your competence in what you do.  No client wants to associate with a risky business that only cares about the next big contract or promises quickly-accomplished projects without prioritizing workers and public safety. 6. Employer’s Moral Obligation Above all things, enforcing safety protocols in place is every employer’s moral obligation. Those working at your construction site or facility have families, loved ones, and lives outside of being your employee. And their health and safety shouldn’t be compromised for the paycheck you give them once or twice a month.  It’s crucial that you prioritize and implement strict safety measures and ensure that your workers can return home safely every single day.  Conclusion It’s time for you to take a closer look at your worksite and check if you are indeed implementing safety protocols.  Protect your workers, the public, and your company so no one will be at risk and you’ll gain respect from the people that surrounds you.

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7 Different Types Of Blinds

Kenneth Booth March 8, 2021

Blinds are essential in your household as they provide privacy for everyone who’s inside. You don’t want other people to take a peep inside your home and see what’s happening. Not only can they invade your privacy, but they might even see the inside of your house and watch where you keep your valuables.   Apart from privacy, blinds also help to provide elegance and sophistication inside the room. These also provide excellent credibility in controlling the light that passes inside the room as the slats are equally distributed. With that, you need to look for the best blinds you could install in your home. There are plenty of stores like makemyblinds.co.uk where you can find blinds. Just ensure that these are reputable companies.   Listed below are the different types of blinds you could choose from:   1.     Venetian Blinds  Venetian blinds are among the most popular and common types as they provide a classic look for anyone’s home.   A Venetian blind has horizontal slats that use aluminum, wood, or plastic as its primary material. You can adjust how the slats go by twisting the wand, and the slats can face upwards or downwards, depending on how you decide to operate it. The way the slats move will determine the direction of the sunlight that goes through inside your home. You can also control how much or how little you’d like your room to lighten up.   If you’d like the full light to come inside your homes, you can adjust the height of the Venetian blind by pulling the lift strings downwards, and the full slats should lift upwards, folding into one another.   2.     Vertical Blinds  A vertical blind works similarly to a Venetian blind, but it moves from side to side rather than going in an up and down motion.   A vertical blind has thicker slats that are usually the preferred choice of blinds for office or patio use as they provide a classic and conventional look that’ll look best at any formal setting. They’re also perfect for floor-to-ceiling windows as they can help promote and highlight the windows’ height, allowing the room to look taller and more spacious.   3.     Mini blinds  A mini blind works just like a Venetian blind, except that they have smaller slats.   Each slat of a mini blind is usually one-inch thick. It’s typically perfect for small windows. You can place it in the bathroom or kitchen where the windows aren’t too big.   4.     Roman Shades  If you’d like to lean towards having a traditional and classic look for your window treatment, you can never go wrong with having Roman shades.   A Roman shade uses fabric as its primary material rather than the usual plastic, aluminum, and wood. You can compare a roman shade to a curtain due to the same materials, but it lays more flatly on your windows.   A Roman shade is raised and folds itself once you decide to pull them to allow more light to come inside the room. It can be similar to a vertical blind, only that it doesn’t have slats, but rather a whole fabric that folds up. There is no gap in between, which disallows you to control the light’s direction coming inside the room.   With a Roman shade, it can stand as a perfect window treatment if you have a traditional or Victorian-themed home.   5.     Roller Shades  One of the most basic yet popular shades of all time is a roller shade.   A roller shade usually uses the material of either synthetic or natural fabrics that roll up and down. Unlike Venetian and vertical blinds, a roller shade doesn’t have any slats, but rather a whole piece of large fabric. When you want to lift the shade, the fabric can move upwards to allow more light to enter the room.   Depending on the fabric that your roller blind has, it can act as thermal or blackout blinds that can benefit the entire household highly.   With a thermal fabric, you can block the heat from coming inside and keep it on the other side without letting it pass through the room. For a blackout fabric, you can expect no light to come inside your homes, especially during the night when you’re highly sensitive to light as you go to sleep.   6.     Cellular Shades  If you’re looking for a cheaper yet effective way to promote proper insulation inside your home, the cellular shade would be the perfect window treatment for you.   While the cellular shades may not be everyone’s favourite look for their shade, they’re unique for a reason. A cellular shade has a honeycomb shape on each bar that’s responsible for insulation. The honeycomb can hold the heated air, not allowing it to enter your home.   A cellular shade uses thin fabric as its primary material. Hence, it’s one of the cheapest types of blinds available for your household. Not only is it cheap, but it can also help you save money on heating or cooling the room as you don’t have a constant battle with the outside temperature coming inside your homes.   7.     Panel Blinds  Panel blinds may be similar to a vertical blind as each slat comes in an upright shape. However, with a panel blind, the blinds only have four wide sections compared with vertical blinds which have many thin slats.   In most cases, panel blinds are used for vast and floor-to-ceiling windows to provide full coverage. They’re perfect for any type of room as long as it has a broad set of windows.   With a panel blind, you can’t expect it to tilt to control the amount of light inside the room, but you can, instead, slide it across the room to allow maximum light to come inside.  A panel blind uses soft fabrics and can be a cheaper alternative to other options.   Conclusion  While there are different types of blinds available, ensure that you purchase one that fits

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Construction College Pushes for Gender Equality on International Women’s Day 2021

Kenneth Booth March 8, 2021

Today, Monday 8 March, Leeds College of Building is joining others globally in supporting the International Women’s Day campaign ‘Choose To Challenge.’The College has made great strides in pushing gender parity in construction. Female apprentices at Leeds College of Building have also grown from 33 in 2014 to 190 by 2020, an incredible 475% increase over 6 years. However, more work is needed to address the diversity of the construction industry. In 2019, GMB (the union for construction workers) revealed that just one in eight construction workers are women. By analysing official statistics, it was predicted that it would take almost 200 years to achieve gender equality in the construction industry.  As a result, the College will be hosting a free female-only virtual open event, designed for any women who would like to know more about a career in the construction industry (8 March, 5-7pm). Videos by staff and students will showcase being a female in the construction industry today and the varied opportunities available. The College Team are also available on live chat via the website.  Marked annually, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Activity takes place worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s rights.  Ruth Watson, a former Leeds College of Building Civil Engineering Apprentice, said: “Engineers help shape the future, so it’s critical that we inspire and encourage the younger generation to consider engineering. When I enrolled, I was one of only two girls in my class of 25. By the end of my programme, the number of female students at College had increased discernibly, which was fantastic to see. “I hope I can help to break down stereotypes and be part of the huge change that is taking place in this sector. I’d encourage other women to follow their passion and pursue a meaningful career. I’m very optimistic about the future and excited about the years to come in this diverse and rewarding industry.” Today, the Faculty of Higher Education, Construction Design & Management at Leeds College of Building employs 30% female staff (out of a total of 56 staff). Female lecturers come from a wide range careers including architecture, civil engineering, quantity surveying, and transport planning. Nikki Davison, Degree Apprenticeship Development Curriculum Manager and Quantity Surveyor, said: “The construction industry is constantly developing, with continual reviews of legislation, innovative technology, and ground-breaking construction methods. All of this makes it a very exciting industry to work in. “I started my career as a trainee Quantity Surveyor some 20 years ago. Today, thankfully, women are not only accepted, but we are encouraged in the industry. This is evident in the quantity and experiences of female students at the College who display a passion for construction, be that in a trade like painting or joinery, or in a role like engineering, surveying, or architecture.”  

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LEADING CONSULTANCY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEMALE ENGINEERS OF TOMORROW

Kenneth Booth March 8, 2021

ACCORDING to statistics published by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), a mere 12.37% of all engineers in the UK are female. While it’s no secret that engineering has historically been a male-dominated industry, leading multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy Dice is challenging the stereotype and providing opportunities to encourage more women to enter the profession. The East Midlands-based business prides itself on having a multicultural and diverse workforce, with 50% of staff being women. Having recently announced a raft of female hires and promotions, Dice has also invested in its apprenticeship scheme, which provides an ‘earn while you learn’ incentive during a time when traditional university pathways have been made difficult as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Iva Dimitrov, who recently joined Dice as a senior civil engineer, has more than five years of experience working on a variety of national schemes. She specialises in commercial developments and sustainable drainage design and has joined as the leader of the civil engineering team. Iva said: “I have always known that I want to be in a profession where technical skills and problem solving are integral parts. I grew up in a small town in Bulgaria and my closest role models were my mother, who is a mathematician, and my father, who is an engineer, so naturally engineering was my first and desired career choice.”  Iva achieved her degree in civil engineering while studying in Bulgaria, after which she came to the UK and studied a master’s course in the subject at the University of Nottingham. Iva added: “Shortly after graduating, I started my first job as a civil engineer and was fortunate to work for a manager who was not only a fantastic engineer, but also a great teacher. I had the opportunity to work on a variety of commercial projects in a busy, fast-paced environment, which helped me to learn a lot more about the industry. “I feel incredibly proud to be part of such a thriving, client-focused and reputable consultancy like Dice, which is encouraging women from a multitude of backgrounds to pursue a career in engineering.” Husna Gul – one of the apprentices at Dice – is another young woman who is carving out a successful career in engineering. Having initially applied to university after completing A-Levels in maths, physics and chemistry, Husna discovered the benefits of the apprenticeship route and withdrew her UCAS application. Husna said: “Being the eldest child in the family, my parents were worried when I told them that I didn’t want to take the ‘traditional’ university route. However, after they looked into degree apprenticeships, they soon realised this was the right path for me and have been incredibly supportive of my decision. “Engineering is such an exciting and fulfilling industry where no two days are the same. I have picked up a huge amount of knowledge in such a short space of time. When I first started, I could never have imagined I’d be able to do the kind of jobs I’m doing now, and that’s testament to both Dice and Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for creating a new pathway into the industry.” Raj Somal, director of Dice, said: “For us, it’s imperative to have a diverse team – whether that be in relation to gender, ethnicity, race or religion. In past roles, I have experienced that non-diverse teams do not provide the best working environment, so we aim to buck the trend. The most important thing when starting the business was to create a positive place to work that is inclusive for everyone.” Dice has recently been nominated for an award at this year’s Nottingham Trent University Apprenticeship Awards, which celebrates the hard work, success and achievements of the university’s apprentices and the employers who are engaged with NTU’s apprenticeship programmes. To find out more about Dice, please visit diceconsult.co.uk

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ECO measures have benefited just 7% of homes since launch in 2013

Kenneth Booth March 8, 2021

Despite the government’s promise to wage war on fuel poverty across the housing market in England via the implementation of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) initiative back in January 2013, research by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, has found just 7% of properties are in receipt of ECO measures. GetAgent.co.uk analysed data on households in receipt of ECO measures since the scheme launched and what this equates to as a percentage of total dwellings across each area of England. The ECO was a government initiative introduced in January 2013 to help improve energy efficiency and support those at the sharp end of fuel poverty in England. The ECO set obligations for the big energy providers to install insulation and heating measures and to help reduce heating costs and energy usage. The research by GetAgent.co.uk shows that 1,794,601 households across England are in receipt of ECO measures, just 7.4% of the total 24,413,501 dwellings. The North West has seen the biggest benefit from the scheme, with 11.5% of all homes in receipt of ECO measures, with the North East (10.1%) and West Midlands (10%) also seeing a double-digit percentage of dwellings benefit. London has seen the lowest level of homes in receipt of ECO measures at just 4.5%, followed by the South East (5%). At local authority level, Blackpool has seen the highest impact with 21.2% of all homes benefitting from the ECO initiative. Other areas to see in excess of 20% of properties benefit include Bradford (21.1%) and Blackburn with Darwen (20.8%). Oldham (19.5%) and Burnley (18.6%) have also seen some of the biggest impact from the scheme. In contrast, London accounts for the top five areas with the lowest receipts of ECO measures, with Wandsworth seeing the least with just 1.2% of homes in the borough benefitting from the scheme. Outside of London, Mole Valley (2.4%), South Lakeland, Cambridge and Vale of White Horse have seen the lowest receipts of ECO measures since launch in 2013. Founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented: “We could all benefit from making our homes as energy efficient as possible, but it’s important to remember that the ECO initiative is very much focussed on eradicating fuel poverty, rather than knocking a few quid off the average homeowner’s energy bills. So it’s only natural that there has been a greater focus on areas of the market where this help is needed most and so there is always going to be a regional disparity in terms of the number of households in receipt of these measures. In the same context, not every home will require this help and the near 1.8m households to have benefitted are no doubt very grateful for this helping hand from the government. However, while 7% of all households is a strong start, let’s hope the government continues to build on these foundations and use this initiative to further remedy the issue of fuel poverty from those suffering across the nation.” Table shows the total number of households in receipt of ECO measures between Jan 2013 and Dec 2020 as a percentage of total dwellings stock Location Households in receipt of ECO measures (to Dec 2020) Total dwellings 2019 Households in receipt of ECO measures as % of total dwellings North West 379,849 3,300,088 11.5% North East 125,419 1,236,808 10.1% West Midlands region 250,357 2,512,503 10.0% Yorkshire and the Humber 236,633 2,440,528 9.7% East Midlands 156,443 2,103,080 7.4% South West 149,779 2,603,367 5.8% East of England 140,188 2,705,425 5.2% South East 186,470 3,717,756 5.0% London 160,147 3,592,322 4.5% England 1,794,601 24,413,501 7.4% Source Gov.uk – Household Energy Effeciency Statistics Gov.uk – Live tables of dwellings stock           Table shows the areas with the highest percentage of households in receipt of ECO measures as a percentage of total dwellings stock Location Households in receipt of ECO measures (to Dec 2020) Total dwellings 2019 Households in receipt of ECO measures as % of total dwellings Blackpool 14,879 70,187 21.2% Bradford 45,674 216,360 21.1% Blackburn with Darwen 12,728 61,287 20.8% Oldham 18,587 95,505 19.5% Burnley 7,655 41,080 18.6% Pendle 7,337 40,368 18.2% Hyndburn 5,895 36,891 16.0% Walsall 18,514 116,248 15.9% Tameside 16,393 102,993 15.9% Birmingham 67,815 441,536 15.4% Hartlepool 6,764 44,250 15.3% Manchester 34,640 226,995 15.3% Middlesbrough 9,550 63,261 15.1% Leicester 20,515 137,116 15.0% Rochdale 13,161 93,703 14.0% Sefton 17,630 126,962 13.9% Sandwell 17,944 132,618 13.5% Knowsley 8,977 66,519 13.5% Bolton 16,005 124,444 12.9% Luton 10,251 80,024 12.8% Source Gov.uk – Household Energy Effeciency Statistics Gov.uk – Live tables of dwellings stock           Table shows the areas with the lowest percentage of households in receipt of ECO measures as a percentage of total dwellings stock Location Households in receipt of ECO measures (to Dec 2020) Total dwellings 2019 Households in receipt of ECO measures as % of total dwellings Wandsworth 1,772 148,075 1.2% Richmond upon Thames 1,203 85,564 1.4% Kensington and Chelsea 1,555 87,726 1.8% Hammersmith and Fulham 1,617 89,186 1.8% Westminster 2,382 125,312 1.9% Mole Valley 939 38,772 2.4% South Lakeland 1,551 55,820 2.8% Cambridge 1,536 55,207 2.8% Vale of White Horse 1,647 58,669 2.8% Merton 2,388 84,570 2.8% Winchester 1,530 52,740 2.9% Epsom and Ewell 962 32,566 3.0% Waverley 1,632 53,752 3.0% Uttlesford 1,168 38,008 3.1% North Hertfordshire 1,887 57,471 3.3% East Hertfordshire 2,069 63,011 3.3% Tunbridge Wells 1,694 51,339 3.3% Reigate and Banstead 2,022 60,966 3.3% St Albans 2,027 61,047 3.3% Cotswold 1,501 44,938 3.3% Source Gov.uk – Household Energy Effeciency Statistics Gov.uk – Live tables of dwellings stock          

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RIBA approval sees record numbers book Actis online CPD

Kenneth Booth March 8, 2021

Record numbers of people have been booking places on a CPD created by insulation specialist Actis since it became a RIBA-approved training course at the end of 2020. The much-praised and already very popular session on Addressing the performance gap with reflective insulation looks at how to combat thermal bridging and achieve optimal energy efficiency. Attendance figures for the free online sessions in January and February have been at their highest level since the sessions went online when the pandemic first hit – up around 20% on 2020 levels. As well as being available directly via Actis to building control officers, architects, specifiers and builders, it is also promoted via RIBA’s website, and the Institute’s monthly newsletter. It is being offered to RIBA chartered architects, who, along with their non-RIBA affiliated counterparts, must complete 35 hours of CPD every year. RIBA approved CPDs are worth double the points of a standard CPD and are therefore much prized by members, with 76% of them choosing training which has been specifically approved by the professional body. All RIBA approved CPDs must meet strict criteria, be educational, innovative and balanced, address relevant statutory issues and have a clear learning outcome. They are designed to provide solutions to design problems and are likely to address sustainability issues, correct product application and legislative information. Actis national specification manager Dan Anson-Hart said: “The two sessions we’ve run since RIBA approved the module for its members have seen a very strong take up. The module looks at why the performance gap exists, the effects of external factors on the fabric efficiency of a building, the impact of thermal bridging and how reflective insulation can address it.” Register here to join the CPD on the second Thursday of every month at 1pm.

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BARINGS APPOINTS JLL TO LANDMARK AGENCY TEAM

Kenneth Booth March 5, 2021

Strategic Appointment Follows Lettings Success Barings Real Estate, one of the world’s largest diversified real estate investment managers, has appointed JLL to the leasing team at its 180,000 sq ft Landmark development in Manchester City Centre following a series of high-profile transactions at the building. JLL joins CBRE and Colliers International as agents on Landmark. Landmark has had a strong start to 2021, securing two global occupiers and a coffee bar operator since the start of the year.  In January, Barings announced it had signed a management agreement with flexible workspace group, Hana, for 32,000 sq ft at Landmark. Hana will design, build and operate the flexible space, called Hana at St Peter’s Square, which isexpected to open in mid-2021. Additionally, global professional services firm Grant Thornton agreed a 15 year lease to relocate its 350-strong Manchester team into the 13,219 sq ft eleventh floor of Landmark and will take occupation of the space later this year upon completion of its fit-out. Most recently, it was announced that award-winning premium coffee company and social enterprise supporting people out of homelessness, Change Please, will operate the coffee and pastry bar within Landmark. JLL is an existing occupier at Landmark, having moved its Manchester team into the 14,004 sq ft 10th floor last year, representing JLL’s largest commercial office outside of London. Ian Mayhew, Managing Director at Barings, said; “JLL’s 10th floor office within Landmark is an exceptional space and is on target to achieve WELL Platinum and BREAAM Excellent for its impressive and sustainable fit-out. Bringing JLL on board was a natural move.  In addition to being an excellent operator in the market, the team can utilise their first-hand experience of Landmark whilst engaging with potential occupiers and showcasing their space to interested parties. CBRE and Colliers International have secured us three important occupiers in quick succession, during a pandemic, since we achieved practical completion of Landmark in 2020 and we are excited to be building on that success with the appointment of JLL to the leasing team.” Chris Mulcahy, Director of Office Agency at JLL, continued; “JLL chose to relocate to Landmark because the building was of the highest quality and for the first-class amenities and public transport links close by. Looking forward, these credentials are going to be increasingly important for when businesses assess their office needs.  We are delighted to be joining the team and look forward to welcoming more neighbours shortly.” The 180,000 sq ft award-winning Landmark development, which completed in 2020, offers 14 floors of BREEAM Excellent and Wired Score Platinum certified, next generation office space in the world-renowned St Peter’s Square district of Manchester City Centre.

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STEPNELL COMPLETES £12M LUXURY CARE AND RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Kenneth Booth March 5, 2021

CONSTRUCTION firm Stepnell has delivered a new exclusive £12 million care facility in the West Midlands. The state-of-the-art scheme – located in Eastcote, Solihull – was completed in just over 18-months on behalf of luxury care home provider Cinnamon Care Collection, which has been recognised as a top 20 recommended care home group for the past three years. The luxury care and retirement living development, named Eastcote Park, is now ready to open its doors to residents next month, providing residential and respite care, as well as a dedicated community for those living with dementia.  The two-storey build features a 50-bedroom care home and two additional apartment blocks that house 34 two-bedroom retirement apartments, with personal and private lift access for first-floor residents.  The former garden centre and once brownfield site has been transformed with beautiful landscaped gardens, as well as outstanding facilities – such as a restaurant, bar, fitness suite, cinema room, hair and beauty salon and multiple lounges. Adrian Barnes, regional director at Stepnell, said: “We are really proud to have delivered this fantastic, advanced care facility for one of our repeat clients and one of the most highly regarded care home providers in the country. “As a former brownfield site, the land provided several practical challenges for us – such as surface water issues – as it is surrounded by countryside. We also had the added pressure of lockdown for a large chunk of the build, requiring us to adhere to government guidelines to ensure that we could stay on site to deliver the project on time and on budget. “Stepnell is continuing to increase its portfolio of high-end luxury care homes in the UK, and our care specialists pride themselves in understanding the importance of a beautifully designed living space and the impact it can have on the people living there. We are really pleased to be able to continue our successful relationship with Cinnamon on another care home in Stourbridge, due to commence on site shortly.” Albert Josephs, head of development at Cinnamon Care Collection, said: “We are excited to be opening the doors to our new, luxury retirement village for the West Midlands. Construction firm, Stepnell has done an outstanding job in completing Eastcote Park over the last 18-months – so much so that we are planning to appoint them for future Cinnamon sites. Every detail within the care home and the retirement village has been carefully planned to the highest standards, using the finest quality furnishings and fittings throughout.” The new ultra-modern care facility, designed by architects Harris Irwin, has been carefully designed with dedicated areas including sensory, reminiscence and visual stimulation to help support those living with dementia. Ian Holme, director at Harris Irwin, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in this project at Eastcote Park and seeing it through from inception to completion. Working closely with both Cinnamon and Stepnell, this outstanding development is the result of a fantastic team effort by all concerned, delivering the highest quality of accommodation and care environment for its residents. “We have no doubt that Eastcote Park will prove to be a highly successful development and we very much look forward to working with both Cinnamon and Stepnell on many more such projects in the future.” To find out more about Eastcote Park www.cinnamoncc.com/retirement-villages/eastcote-park/ To find out more about Stepnell visit: www.stepnell.co.uk. Join the conversation at @Stepnellltd.        

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PLACES FOR PEOPLE SUPPORTS THE FAIR BY DESIGN FUND TO TACKLE THE POVERTY PREMIUM

Kenneth Booth March 5, 2021

Places for People Group has committed to tackling the UK’s poverty premium, investing in the Fair by Design (FBD) Fund – an organisation which helps to grow businesses that make markets fairer. Via its charity Places Foundation, Places for People has committed £250k to FBD, which is managed by Ascension Ventures and aims to address the poverty premium in the UK by backing social tech ventures. The poverty premium is the extra costs that people on low incomes pay for essential products and services; it is estimated that such costs burden the average low-income household by an extra £490 a year for services including energy, white goods, insurance and credit. The funding is the latest in a long line of social and charitable initiatives from Places for People, which last year delivered over £280m of social value across the Group through its social value activities.  Marcus Hulme, Director of Places Impact at Places for People Group said: “We are proud to be a part of this movement which aims to address the poverty premium in the UK. “As an organisation we’re determined to do all that we can to help customers and communities by tackling the grossly unfair poverty premium. There’s such an imbalance when it comes to access to finance and services for some people due to their credit status or financial situation which results in them paying a disproportionate levy on day-to-day services. I’m proud that we’re using our charitable resources to help tackle that.” FDB launched in 2018 with initial investment of £10 million from investors including Big Society Capital and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. It invests in both pre-seed and seed stage social tech ventures which have a clear social purpose and route to market. Initial investments range from £75k to £400k with follow on rounds in companies which have high potential to scale. To date, FBD has deployed £6.6 million in 12 social tech ventures.  Other investors in this round include the Nationwide Building Society, Edinburgh University and Esmée Fairbairn, whilst prior funding rounds have attracted investors including Comic Relief and Big Society Capital. Jean de Fougerolles, CEO of Ascension Ventures, concluded: “Ascension has been managing the Fair by Design Fund for the past three years, investing in tech-for-good businesses that reduce key aspects of the poverty premium. “The support of our new investors allows us to scale our work with a leading mission-led organisation to tackle the challenges faced by people impacted by the poverty premium across the UK. Together, we can change lives and back formidable entrepreneurs to scale market-led solutions to correct incredibly unjust market failures”

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