Ross Baxter, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, which comprises Pasquill, Roofspace Solutions, International Timber, Intrastack and Scotframe, said: “The housebuilding and construction industry are an essential part of the UK economy and its resilience has been severely put to the test over the past 12 months. I welcome the
James Simmonds, head of UHY Hacker Young’s national drinks sector group and partner at its Nottingham office, said: “Sunak has announced that the business rates holiday has been extended to end of June 2021, which is great for the food and drink sector. However, many pubs, bars and restaurants may not be able to open until 21 June under the government’s current roadmap so, while this extension will
Working collaboratively has become an increasingly preferred method in order to deliver projects at pace. This approach was proactively adopted by partnership housing specialist Lovell Partnerships, and regional managing director Lee Sale identifies this approach as the reason the North West has smashed its 2020 target. “There is no doubt
The second phase of development at Cable Wharf, a 598-home riverside development on the banks of the Thames at Northfleet, has been launched with 180 apartments and houses available. National housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes, is regenerating the area of Northfleet and is delivering mix tenure new homes, comprising of houses and
Family run plant hire and waste disposal company Buckland Newton Hire (BNH) is now the proud owner of the UK’s first next generation Cat® 313 GC, courtesy of Finning UK & Ireland, the region’s exclusive Cat dealer. BNH purchased the machine specifically to meet the long-term hire needs of a
FOLLOWING Rishi Sunak’s spring budget announcement, the stamp duty holiday will now be extended to 30 June 2021 and a 5% mortgage scheme will be re-introduced next month. Jess Mitchell, office manager at Nottinghamshire estate agent Gascoines, said: “Following the initial government announcement to introduce a stamp duty holiday, the market saw house hunters relieved of costs and induced a mini housing boom as
Atlas Copco has extended its industrial portfolio to include process cooling equipment. The newly launched TCX 4-90A is Atlas Copco’s first process cooling chiller range, with plans to introduce more new products to the market in 2021 and extend the range to include higher cooling capacities. “The addition of process
The UK construction industry flexed its muscles yet again in February 2021, posting an astonishing £8.0 billion in new contract awards in the shortest month of the year research carried out by Builders’ Conference shows. CEO Neil Edwards looks on admiringly but remains concerned at the industry’s ability to keep
Timber frame construction specialist SO Modular is reaping the rewards of an investment it has made in a specific type of construction standard based around environmental standards and energy efficiency. The Neath-based company has made a significant investment in training all the employees in its fitting teams to educate them
Leicester based workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has completed the refurbishment of new offices in Bristol for international property and construction consultancy Gleeds. Gleeds has 73 offices in 20 countries worldwide, with 20 offices across the UK, including one in Nottingham. In October 2020, the firm
Ross Baxter, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, which comprises Pasquill, Roofspace Solutions, International Timber, Intrastack and Scotframe, said: “The housebuilding and construction industry are an essential part of the UK economy and its resilience has been severely put to the test over the past 12 months. I welcome the Chancellor’s positive announcements, which seek to provide reassurance to manufacturers, suppliers and house builders as well as homebuyers. “The two-year tax deductible on investments will allow us to drive forward with our plans for continuous improvement, growing both our services and product portfolio. Meanwhile, mortgage guarantees and the extension of the stamp duty holiday until 1 June will keep the market moving and provide continuity of work for everyone in the sector, so we can deliver on the ambition to build back better.”
James Simmonds, head of UHY Hacker Young’s national drinks sector group and partner at its Nottingham office, said: “Sunak has announced that the business rates holiday has been extended to end of June 2021, which is great for the food and drink sector. However, many pubs, bars and restaurants may not be able to open until 21 June under the government’s current roadmap so, while this extension will be welcomed by the industry, it may not relieve many hospitality businesses from rent debt. “The government also announced the continuation of the reduced VAT rate of 5% until 30 September 2021, along with an interim rate of 12.5% for a further six months to allow the consumer to pay reduced prices at the business’ discretion. “Restart grants of up to £18,000 for hospitality businesses will also be welcomed – however, this sum is to the rateable value of the business’ property assets so the grant could be as low as £8,000 for smaller premises. “The continuation of the freeze on alcohol duties for the second consecutive year will hopefully keep the consumer from paying increased prices and incentivise a return to pubs, bars and restaurants post-Covid. “Additionally, the introduction of a community ownership fund will allow communities across the UK to invest in and protect what matters most to their area, which in many places may well be the local pub or hospitality business – something that could also bring benefits to the industry.” For more information on UHY Hacker Young, please www.uhy-uk.com or call 0115 959 0900.
Working collaboratively has become an increasingly preferred method in order to deliver projects at pace. This approach was proactively adopted by partnership housing specialist Lovell Partnerships, and regional managing director Lee Sale identifies this approach as the reason the North West has smashed its 2020 target. “There is no doubt that last year was tough for all businesses but the house building sector rose to the challenge, very much supported by the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ investment. “This week marks my second anniversary at Lovell and our collaborative approach with housing associations and local authorities – supported by some ambitious targets for growth and affordable housing delivery – is the reason the region is on track to smash its five-year goals. “We have actively prioritised joint ventures and frameworks to meet the government’s ambitious targets and we’ve found a real enthusiasm from our partners to drive the need for affordable housing through collaborative working. During the pandemic, we remained focused on our long-term, trusted partnerships with clients to deliver much needed housing across the North West. “As a result, we started or delivered many more important developments last year while successfully bidding on nearly 1,500 units of land and securing seven new projects, totalling more than 700 units. We also delivered 338 new homes, only 14 homes short of our original forecast despite Covid-19. “This was boosted by the four bold commitments I made when I joined the North West team two years ago this week: to see the region achieve more than £100m turnover, become a 5* builder, deliver double digits profit and enable three new strategic partnerships or joint ventures. I’m therefore incredibly proud to say that we are on track to achieve, all four. “These results are down to the fantastic people at Lovell – everyone really rallied together. This ambition and winning attitude has enabled us to succeed throughout the pandemic and deliver top quality housing.” “We are currently working on many key partnership projects including Weston Woods, a strategic joint venture with Latimer – Clarion Housing Group’s development arm – to deliver a 99-home scheme near Nantwich as well as a development in Pendleton, Salford with Lovell Together – a joint venture with Together Housing Group – that is set to be one of the largest strategic residential regeneration projects in Greater Manchester. Work has also recently started at The Strand, a development in Rochdale, which is in partnership with RBH. “We have also just secured a place on the Your Housing and Torus frameworks to help address the housing shortage across the region. “These are still challenging times so as we move further into 2021, we’re looking towards a significant year of sustainable growth in the North West following two years of solid performance. As a company we will also be developing our roadmap to carbon neutrality as we secure our business pipeline for 2023 onwards and building on our social value and CSR programme. “The house building sector has some really high targets to meet and working collaboratively enables us to work at pace and deliver the much-needed homes that are required across the North West. By building homes but also investing in the local communities, these joint ventures can make a real, tangible difference.” For more information, please visit: corporate.lovell.co.uk.
The second phase of development at Cable Wharf, a 598-home riverside development on the banks of the Thames at Northfleet, has been launched with 180 apartments and houses available. National housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes, is regenerating the area of Northfleet and is delivering mix tenure new homes, comprising of houses and apartments, available for sale on the open market, via shared ownership as well as affordable rent. As part of Ebbsfleet Garden City, the £175 million development will transform the former cabling factories site into a thriving, tree-lined riverside community which, as well as homes, will include commercial spaces, new transport links and a primary school. Situated a short distance from the high-speed train connections at Ebbsfleet International railway station, commuters can be in St Pancras within 17 minutes or Paris in under 4 hours. Following the completion of phase one which consisted of 139 new homes, of which 120 homes will be available for Affordable Housing and Shared Ownership, the development has now entered its second phase of construction and will see 68 one- and two- bed apartments and 112 two-, three-, and four- bedroom houses being built, as well as a brand-new sales office. As part of the Ebbsfleet Garden City project, which aims to transform the area and deliver 15,000 new homes, Cable Wharf is set within a unique backdrop of ancient chalk cliffs overlooking the River Thames. Mick O’Farrell, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “We’re excited to be starting the second phase of construction at Cable Wharf. This significant regeneration project will not only deliver almost 600 much-needed new homes to the area, but every aspect of Cable Wharf including the communal areas, riverside promenade and new transport links, has been designed to fulfil the needs of this brand-new community. “Such has been the interest in the development that, following the launch of our marketing suite and show home last year, we have welcomed our first homeowners to Cable Wharf and are excited unveil the second phase comprising 180 new homes.’’ The four-phase development is expected to take six years to complete. For more information, visit cablewharf.com.
Family run plant hire and waste disposal company Buckland Newton Hire (BNH) is now the proud owner of the UK’s first next generation Cat® 313 GC, courtesy of Finning UK & Ireland, the region’s exclusive Cat dealer. BNH purchased the machine specifically to meet the long-term hire needs of a recycling customer, as the new machine enables high productivity at lower running costs. The next generation 313 GC offers increased power and is designed to boost operator efficiency. It also lowers maintenance costs making it popular for rental and all-round excavating applications that require reliability. It includes two modes, Smart and Power, as well as a new, larger cab with improved ingress/egress to boost operator comfort. BNH’s fleet consists almost exclusively of Cat equipment and the 313 GC is not the only new addition. The company has also ordered its first wheel loader, a 950 GC, to arrive later this year. The 950 GC is a versatile, reliable machine with a high power density Cat 7.1 engine, the automatic Cat regeneration system and unmatched reliability and uptime. Both GC machines have been purchased with service contracts, so Finning can guarantee a low cost of ownership. Alongside its purchase of the 313 GC and 950 GC, BNH ordered a fleet of twelve machines from Finning, to support the launch of a new facility in December 2020. This included the company’s first dozer, a D6. “We are always looking for ways to improve and upgrade our fleet,” explained Brad Perrett, Manager at BNH. “The 313 GC is a natural evolution — it means we can maintain our competitive pricing, while offering all the creature comforts of Cat. I was impressed with the simplicity of the design, it is an easy-to-use, powerful, nice looking machine. “Our customers are looking for reliable, durable products,” added Perrett. “We have worked with Finning for over 30 years and see Cat as central to our brand — it’s the thing that makes us stand out locally. Our customers are raving about the next generation Cat equipment — people love them!” “The GC series is a way for companies to become Cat owners at really competitive price points,” explained Jack Cezair, Territory Account Manager at Finning. “They bring many benefits to plant hire companies, as they deliver clear return on investment and means they can become a Cat owner for less than they think. Operators enjoy the comfortable cab design, increase their productivity, while saving on fuel and maintenance costs. We are encouraging others in the industry to challenge their realities and follow suit.” The GC series includes the 313 GC Small Excavator, 315 GC, 320 GC Medium Excavator and the 950 GC Medium Wheel Loader. All four are designed to offer the reliability and durability of Cat products, while offering affordability and lower running costs. For more information on the GC series of equipment, visit https://equipmentuk.finning.com/gcseries/.
FOLLOWING Rishi Sunak’s spring budget announcement, the stamp duty holiday will now be extended to 30 June 2021 and a 5% mortgage scheme will be re-introduced next month. Jess Mitchell, office manager at Nottinghamshire estate agent Gascoines, said: “Following the initial government announcement to introduce a stamp duty holiday, the market saw house hunters relieved of costs and induced a mini housing boom as sellers were eager to take advantage and complete transactions in time. “Rishi Sunak initially set the holiday, which extended to properties under £500,000, to end on 31 March 2021 but has announced the deadline will now be extended to 30 June with the nil-rate then lowered to £250,000 until the end of September. We’re therefore expecting to see a high number of properties listed over the coming weeks and offers placed in very short time periods, from now until September to really make the most of the extension.” A government-backed 5% mortgage scheme will also be re-introduced to help current homeowners as well as first-time buyers looking to purchase a house for up to £600,000. The initiate will be available from April 2021 and has been designed to help “generation rent” become “generation buy”. Jess added: “With the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 over the last 12 months, the property market witnessed lenders withdrawing their 95% mortgage offerings and demanding deposits of 10 – 15%, with much higher interest rates. “We’re starting to see these rates dropping back to normal levels again and with the new government scheme, we hope to see more first-time buyers coming through the door and getting their foot onto the property ladder. “My advice would be to always aim for higher than your deposit and if possible, have this ready – along with a mortgage in principle – before you start looking for a house and seek advice from your local estate agents or mortgage advisors.” To find out more about Gascoines or speak to one of the local property experts, please visit www.gascoines.co or call 01636 813245. For rentals and lettings, the property management team are also available to deal with any enquiries and urgent maintenance. Alternatively, join the conversation on social media @gascoines.
Atlas Copco has extended its industrial portfolio to include process cooling equipment. The newly launched TCX 4-90A is Atlas Copco’s first process cooling chiller range, with plans to introduce more new products to the market in 2021 and extend the range to include higher cooling capacities. “The addition of process cooling is the perfect complement to our compressed air and industrial gases portfolio,” said Alexander Pavlov, General Manager of Atlas Copco Compressors UK. He continued: “It means we can now deliver a broader product offering to our industrial customers, with the convenience of Atlas Copco service and connectivity.” The TCX 4-90A Process Cooling Chiller range features a compact, all-in-one water chiller with an air-cooled condenser and integrated hydro module (onboard tank and pump solutions), with units available in a variety of sizes. TCX chillers are specially designed for cooling water (or a mixture of water and glycol) for a wide range of industrial segments including machine cooling, plastics, printing, food and beverage, medical and pharmaceutical. Over the last year, Atlas Copco leveraged its more than 140 years of design experience to deliver an innovative chiller product with a wealth of service features and built-in connectivity. The innovative and familiar Elektronikon® Mk5 Touch controller comes standard on the 11 to 90 kW TCX models, putting control at the user’s fingertips. Additionally, SMARTLINK 24/7 monitoring is available as part of the chiller’s total package. The TCX range can also be covered on a single-service contract with all other Atlas Copco mechanical equipment, such as air compressors, dryers, nitrogen generation systems and low-pressure blowers. The new range fully complies with Ecodesign directive 2021 to reach the highest level of energy-saving whilst reducing production costs and maximising efficiency, delivering the reliability and performance customers expect and demand from an Atlas Copco product. The design of the TCX range’s state-of-the-art microchannel condensers requires 30% less refrigerant, making the units more environmentally friendly. To learn more about the TCX range, please visit https://www.atlascopco.com/en-uk/compressors/products/compressed-air-ancillaries/process-water-cooling
The UK construction industry flexed its muscles yet again in February 2021, posting an astonishing £8.0 billion in new contract awards in the shortest month of the year research carried out by Builders’ Conference shows. CEO Neil Edwards looks on admiringly but remains concerned at the industry’s ability to keep pace with its own success. There was a time when the confidence of the UK construction sector was a timid creature that was easily startled and that fled at the smallest sign of alarm. But that timorous fawn of old has given way to a rampaging gorilla; a seemingly unstoppable force that has met head on the triple threat of COVID-19, Brexit and wider economic jitters. And rather than running scared, the sector continues to charge forwards. In February – a cold and traditionally bleak month – the UK construction industry posted an astonishing £8.0 billion in new contract awards. And this was no HS2-fuelled anomaly. In the absence of a single £1.0 billion+ landmark project, some 340 contractors shared the spoils while each of the Top 20 on the BCLive league table won new work valued at more than £100 million during the month. Top of the pile was project management company Avanton, which was credited with two notable contract wins in the month worth a combined £980 million. The largest of these – valued at £730 million – a new build housing development at Ruby Triangle in Southwark, south London. Designed by renowned architect Farrells, the project comprises 1,152 dwellings together with retail business and community spaces and a public sports hall and gym. The work will be carried out in conjunction with A2 Dominion Group. In addition to winning the month’s largest single contract, Avanton also won a £250 million urban village development at the former Homebase site in Richmond upon Thames. That project will add a further 385 residential units to the UK housing stock, together with flexible business, retail and community space. In second place, and a long way behind in value terms, was Laing O-Rourke, which bagged a single £385 million contract in February. That contract is the redevelopment of Whiteleys at Queensway in London’s prestigious Bayswater area and will include more than 100 new residencies, 20 shops and a new Six Senses hotel and spa. Interestingly – like the number one position – third place on the BCLive league table was secured by a project management company. Tenacity International Group won a £200 million new contract award for a mixed-use development at Gracechurch Street in East London. Split across 33 storeys, the development will include 72,000 m2 of flexible office space, 1,800 m2 of retail space and 1,500 m2 of public access space. A free-to-access public gallery at levels 29 and 30 will offer views across London. The battle for supremacy in the most contracts secured in a single month favoured Morgan Sindall this month, the company temporarily wresting the crown from rival Kier Group with an impressive 26 new contract awards valued a combined £311.5 million (Kier Group won 21 new contract awards for £116 million to finish in 17th position). The largest of the Morgan Sindall contract awards was a £120 million 500 dwelling residential development at Littlemoor in Weymouth. VolkerWessells claimed the number five position with a creditable eight new contract awards valued at a combined £269 million while sixth position went to BAM with £254 million across five contracts. Against the background of such an unseasonably positive month, it seems almost churlish to mention the negatives. Despite the resurgence of Scotland (£458 million) and the exceptional performance of the Midlands (£774 million) and Yorkshire (£412 million), the regional imbalance still favours London that contributed an impressive £3.36 billion to the monthly total. A similar imbalance remains in the split of workload among the various industry categories. The housing sector contributed £3.52 billion of known work and will have been a large part of a further £1.52 billion of mixed use and miscellaneous work. Warehouses & Industrial units with £637.9 & Offices, with £479 million, came a distant second & third respectively. Also worthy of note is that the split between publicly and privately funded work, continues to widen. By value, privately funded works accounted for around 80 percent of all new contract awards, suggesting a post-COVID tightening of the Government’s purse strings. And, like an ever-present elephant in the room, the spectre of a worsening skills shortage continues to haunt the sector. Quite how the industry will meet the demand of £26 billion in new work in the space of just three months remains open to question. But, for the time being, the construction sector looks set to retain its position as the saviour of the UK economy. Quick review of BCLive table for February 2021 340 no companies were detailed as winning new contracts during February 2021 600 no new construction orders were researched by Builders’ Conference all detailed on the UK’s only Live league table of construction contract awards BCLive Avanton Ltd secured overall top spot with a single contract worth £980 million Morgan Sindall Group secured most number of new construction orders in the month with 26no totaling £311.5 million Builders’ Conference real-time verified, independent, construction information, sales leads and research has neverbeen more important in allowing all types of businesses to receive LIVE construction information. Ensure your business has access to evidenced based premier construction project information from across the UK by becoming a member of the Builders’ Conference. Discover what is really happening in UK construction as well as critically analysing ALL our data via our built in report writing service. 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Timber frame construction specialist SO Modular is reaping the rewards of an investment it has made in a specific type of construction standard based around environmental standards and energy efficiency. The Neath-based company has made a significant investment in training all the employees in its fitting teams to educate them around the importance of air tightness and Passivhaus standards. Passivhaus standards relate to the energy consumed by buildings and the extent to which they are energy-efficient, comfortable and affordable, applying stringent standards and certification criteria to buildings. The training was carried out by specialist design and manufacturing engineer, Verity Moorhouse, who SO Modular is working with us as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, a Welsh Government initiative designed to help companies innovate by matching the skills and expertise of individuals in higher education with companies. The initiative also represented an important landmark in its journey to establish a formal training academy at its headquarters, the former Metal Box Factory, in partnership with Neath Port Talbot College and Cardiff Metropolitan University. It is the company’s objective to create a cutting-edge training academy that will lead the way in teaching many types of modern construction techniques. SO Modular is putting the new skillsets of its team to good use on a number of important projects including two exciting projects with Lloyd & Gravell that will embrace Passivhaus standards. One is a new 270-place, English-medium primary school with 30-place nursery and up to 23 full-time places for Early Years provision, is being constructed adjacent to the current Ysgol y Castell in Kidwelly. The current facility will be demolished on completion of the new build to accommodate a MUGA sports field and car parking area. SO Modular is also working on the Ysgol Gorslas project, a new £6.8million project that will create a new 210 pupil capacity school building on land located behind Gorslas Community Park. The scheme will provide space to accommodate nursery provision and facilities which can be shared by the community such as a large hall, school field and a multi-use games area. It is hoped the new school building can still be completed by Spring 2022. The project has been developed as part of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Modernising Education Programme (MEP) in collaboration with the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme. Both schools will be built to a BREEAM Excellent, and energy efficient Passivhaus standard. For both schools, SO Modular will build and install a timber frame structure including all steel and glulam’s required for the buildings as well as installing insulation to Passivhaus standards. Charlotte Hale, Operations Director, SO Modular, said: “We believe in the importance of training the next generation and the value of quality in everything we do. A training programme like this helps instil these values in our people, and ensures our staff are trained correctly. “We understand that without the right training in place we cannot achieve the best results. Our aim is to inspire future generations to believe in producing a quality product and protecting our environment. “These are two fantastic projects to be working on. It is always great to be creating buildings that will play a vital role in educating and inspiring future generations. Evermore so when working with a partner such as Lloyd and Gravell who are such a remarkable Contractor to work with. “We are also delighted to be able to apply Passivhaus standards to these builds. We have invested in training out staff in these standards and we look forward to putting that investment into practice.”
Leicester based workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has completed the refurbishment of new offices in Bristol for international property and construction consultancy Gleeds. Gleeds has 73 offices in 20 countries worldwide, with 20 offices across the UK, including one in Nottingham. In October 2020, the firm agreed a 10 year lease of 7,026 sq ft of office space on the second floor in the Aurora building within the Finzels Reach development in Bristol and appointed Blueprint Interiors to help them create a flexible, inspiring work environment. Blueprint Interiors carried out several workplace design workshops with users and stakeholders before presenting the final designs for approval. The company then completed the fit-out to create stylish open plan workspaces to encourage agile working. This includes welcoming reception areas, practical meeting spaces, collaborative innovative break out and kitchen dining areas that reflect the Gleeds brand identity and values. Commenting on the project, Rob Day, Chairman & Founder of Blueprint Interiors said, “Our design ethos is to create workplaces that inspire people to be happier, motivated and more productive. We thoroughly enjoyed working with the in-house team at Gleeds and helping them to deliver the base footprint for how all Gleeds offices in the UK will be designed in future.” Despite the fact Covid-19 has meant many employees working from home, Gleeds remains committed to providing staff with physical workspaces that encourage collaboration and a sense of belonging. Commenting, Rhys Davies, Gleeds Director heading up the new Bristol office, added “This move represents our first step in a shift in approach as we think about changing the ways in which we all work. We want our staff to have access to working spaces that are Covid compliant in the short-term and encourage collaboration and flexible working practices long-term. It’s also important to us that we occupy spaces which reflect our global commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and put us at ‘the heart of the action’ in terms of proximity to our natural client base. We’ve enjoyed working with the entire team at Blueprint Interiors, who were sensitive to our requirements and carefully interpreted our brief to develop an innovative and welcoming space.” Arranged over seven floors and set around a spectacular full height atrium, the building provides a new benchmark for sustainable development in Bristol achieving BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and LEED ‘Gold Standard’.. Shortlisted at the BREEAM Awards earlier this year, the building boasts Platinum Wired accreditation for connectivity and digital infrastructure. The design in the new Bristol offices incorporates high-end audio-visual equipment, new IT and telephony systems, and dedicated break-out working and client zones.