Aptus Utilities, a leading multi utility connections provider is reporting an impressive start to 2021 despite the ongoing challenges presented by the Coronavirus pandemic. The Bolton headquartered business secured 42 contracts with over 2900 plots in the month of January alone. This represents work with 25 clients across all 5
Matt Mccall is one of the latest stock traders to turn their hand to an online trading platform. Mccall joins the growing trend of traders leaving Wall Street to help ‘the average man’ make money by investing in stocks. Mccall has very little online presence and isn’t even the first
Doosan is presenting many new products for the first time at the Hillhead Digital event from 30-31 March 2021. They include the company’s new DL-7 wheel loader, DX-7 crawler excavator and ADT ranges, introducing a host of next generation machines, driven by powerful new Stage V engines and providing higher productivity, increased
NATIONAL framework provider Pagabo has launched its central procurement technology platform, which places everything at the fingertips of its users. It gives clients and suppliers access to a fully integrated procurement process through intelligent dashboards that provide real insights into projects, suppliers, social value and all the relevant information they
Research by national estate agent, Keller Williams UK, has revealed that despite Covid causing a -38% year on year decrease due to lockdown restrictions, the property market in England and Wales still rallied to see a total of £171.7bn worth of residential property sold in 2020. Keller Williams analysed all
The campaign for the government to ditch reverse charge VAT is mounting with the Federation of Master Builders, FMB, claiming two-thirds of SMEs believing it will damage cash flow. Scottish National Party MP Kirsten Oswald has already tabled an early day motion calling for the controversial new regime to be
New technology will be used to design Enfield Council’s £6bn Meridian Water development to ensure it delivers the maximum benefits to as many people as possible. Jacobs is partnering with Enfield Council to provide program and master plan leadership, technical design and planning advisory services for the development of a
Timber and panel imports reached 1.08 million m3 in November 2020, which was the highest monthly total since the October 2007 volume of 1.04 million m3. This was the second consecutive month where imports of the main timber and panel products were above the 1 million m3 mark. The growth
Whether you want to create a grand entrance or a bold first impression, windows and doors play an important role in enhancing a building’s kerb appeal. But with so many design options to choose from, how do you know which one to opt for, or what to recommend to your
Construction engineering consultancy, Howard Ward Associates (HWA), has made a positive start to 2021 with a pipeline of work with a GDV of approximately £125m and a new appointment to the team within its first quarter. Nottingham-based HWA delivers construction engineering consultancy services across the country in sectors including education, healthcare, emergency
Aptus Utilities, a leading multi utility connections provider is reporting an impressive start to 2021 despite the ongoing challenges presented by the Coronavirus pandemic. The Bolton headquartered business secured 42 contracts with over 2900 plots in the month of January alone. This represents work with 25 clients across all 5 regions that they operate it. The month was also further bolstered by 5 new client wins. To support this continued success the company continues to grow and has recruited 14 additional members to the team during January. The Aptus Utilities operations team also delivered 100% of the months 700+ plot connections within the 10 day call off period. The stellar start to 2021 follows a solid performance in 2020 which saw the company secure 279 contracts, 89 new clients and delivering more than 9000 plot connections across the year. Lisa Kerford, Managing Director, from Aptus Utilities says “2020 was a challenging year but thanks to the hard work and commitment of all of our colleagues we continued to grow. Our advanced multi utility capability and exceptional customer service sets us apart from competitors and has been pivotal to the company’s success, helping to cement Aptus Utilities’ position as a leading multi utility provider within the UK housebuilding industry.” During a decade in the industry Aptus has built strong working relationships with local highway authorities and existing utility network owners, enabling them to consistently provide clients with a first-rate streamlined service. By providing excellent customer service and ensuring that all tenders are issued with a fully inclusive scope of works, clients can be assured of an end-to-end fully-managed project. For more information on Aptus Utilities visit www.aptusutilities.co.uk.
Matt Mccall is one of the latest stock traders to turn their hand to an online trading platform. Mccall joins the growing trend of traders leaving Wall Street to help ‘the average man’ make money by investing in stocks. Mccall has very little online presence and isn’t even the first Matt Mccall that comes up during a Google search. For this reason, many people are more vary about purchasing his program, more so than the programs of well-established names like Paul Mampilly and Paul Scolardi. In this article, we’ll be looking at who Matt Mccall is, what his platform has to offer, and how his platform compares to some of the other market leaders. Who is Matt Mccall? Matt Mccall is a former stock trader with a Masters Degree in Science, specializing in Finance. Mccall has over 18 years of experience in finance and investment. He began his time on Wall Street at one of its biggest firms, Charles Shwab. Eventually, Mccall retired from Wall Street and became the lead technical analyst for the radio show and podcast, Winning Wall Street. Since leaving Wall Street Mccall has started many enterprises including Point B publishing house and CrowdVest.Co. He has also written multiple books in an attempt to demystify the world of stock trading for the general public. Since leaving Wall Street he claims to have made over 1000 television appearances. Mccall has also traded Investment Opportunities, a subscription service. His research team shares tips with his subscribers about where they should be investing their money. Mccall has a particular focus on investing in new technology. What does his service offer? ‘Wall Street won’t tell you this, but by the time the general public hears about a major investment trend, the big money has already been made… by those who got there FIRST.’ -Mccall This article will very briefly cover what Mccall’s service can offer its subscribers, if you’re looking for more reviews on Matt Mccall, check out this article. So what do Investment Opportunities subscriptions include, and how much does it cost? Investment Opportunities only comes with one level of subscription that costs $99 for the year. The following things are included in this subscription: Monthly investment reports – Investment Opportunities owner’s manual – This is Mccall’s equivalent to Stocks 101. This manual talks you through the best ways to buy and sell stock; how to research stock before purchasing it; as well as talking you through how Mccall approaches the marker. Urgent Updates – If there is any major news in the market, or a major change in one of Mccall’s focus companies then Investment Opportunities will send out immediate updates to subscribers. Subscriber Only Reports – As part of your subscription, you will also get Mccall’s 12-36 page reports on businesses and parts of the market that he feels are worth watching. If you look into what some of the other trading platforms are offering this does seem very spartan. This is why his prices may be low, Mccall also does not have as big a reputation as some of the other market leaders. How does his service compare to other leading trade platforms? Mccall has a good reputation, solid product, and great pricing – but how does Investment Opportunities compare to the other trading platforms on the market? Investment Opportunities vs Profit Unlimited vs Super Trades Let’s end by comparing Investment Opportunities to its most similar competitors Profit Unlimited and Super Trades. The Prices By looking at the prices of these subscriptions we notice the first major differences between the three big players. Investment Opportunities offers only one level of subscription that costs $99 for the year. A whole year of Investment Opportunities costs less than one month of Super Trades. Super Trades offers two levels of subscription – one for $149 a month, and one for $249 a month. Profit Unlimited offers three different subscription offers ranging from $49 a year, to $479 a year. What they offer Whilst all three companies are run by ex-stock traders the level of advice offered varies wildly. Despite being the second most expensive Investment Opportunities offers the least to its subscribers. See above for more details on what it offers. Profit Unlimited not only offers its subscribers monthly trading advice and emergency updates, but Mampilly also offers a range of daily tips and weekly video calls. Super Trades seems to charge an extraordinary price. However, when you consider that you are sent roughly the same amount daily as Investment Opportunities sends once a month the price starts to make more sense. The subscription also includes weekly videos, a chance to talk to the Superman himself in the chat room, and access to his own investment records.
Doosan is presenting many new products for the first time at the Hillhead Digital event from 30-31 March 2021. They include the company’s new DL-7 wheel loader, DX-7 crawler excavator and ADT ranges, introducing a host of next generation machines, driven by powerful new Stage V engines and providing higher productivity, increased fuel efficiency and a low cost of ownership, coupled with a fantastic environment and experience for operators. New Award-Winning Design Among the new ‘DL-7’ wheel loaders at Hillhead Digital is the top-of-the-range DL580-7. The new DL-7 range is the culmination of the first complete redesign of the Doosan wheel loader range in 10 years, with the exterior design, in particular, undergoing a complete transformation. Redesigned buckets offering up to 7% more capacity ensure the seven new Doosan DL-7 wheel loaders provide easier and faster loading with maximum bucket capacities from 2.8 to 6.4 m3. This provides increased productivity for a very wide range of material-handling applications. The new cab offers a greatly improved field of vision for the operator, with blind spots around the cab minimized and a 14% larger glass window area compared to the previous DL-5 models. Inside the cab, the DL-7 wheel loaders offer significantly enhanced operating comfort, an enhanced steering system and advanced electronic controls. Using the new Doosan Smart Key system on the control panel in the cab, the operator can start the machine using a keyless device, helping to prevent machine theft. The Smart Key system provides remote door control, door lock and unlock, door release, searching and other functions. More Firsts in Doosan Crawler Excavators Among the Doosan crawler excavators making their debut at Hillhead Digital is the 80 tonne DX800LC-7, the largest excavator ever manufactured by Doosan. The DX800LC-7 excavator is powered by the new stage V version of the well-proven Perkins 2506J diesel engine, providing a high power output of 403 kW (548 HP), more than any other machine in this class. The high output of the engine is combined with a Virtual Bleed Off (VBO) hydraulic system (D-Ecopower+), providing a best-in-class hydraulic flow of 1008 l/min and a high system pressure of 343 bar, providing best-in-class performance, with higher productivity, lower fuel consumption of 45 l/h in heavy applications with bucket sizes from 4.6 to 5.2 m3 and smoother controls. Other standard features include the 360° around view monitoring system and the full package of powerful LED work lights for increased safety and the convenience and reassurance provided by the SKF Auto Greasing System. Choice of Boom and Swing Modes To provide optimized operations when working with the DX800LC-7 excavator, the operator can switch between two modes – Boom or Swing – giving priority to boom or swing movements, respectively, so they can best match how they are using the machine to the application they are working on. Faster working speeds are ensured by the 2-spool Boom Down Regeneration system in the DX800LC-7, which also reduces fuel consumption. The 2-spool hydraulic system for the bucket cylinder also increases hydraulic flow and the working speed of the bucket, again reducing fuel consumption. The DX800LC-7 also has a boom/arm cylinder lock valve (anti-hose burst valve) as standard for increased safety, preventing accidents caused by hydraulic hose rupture on site. Like the DX800LC-7, the new DX530LC-7 Stage V 50 tonne crawler excavator, also included for the first time at Hillhead Digital, offers the strength and productivity needed for heavy duty work such as large-scale earthmoving, moving rock, pulling down buildings, secondary breaking, loading haulers and pipeline projects found on quarrying and mining, highway, aggregate, demolition, utility and general construction projects. To meet Stage V engine emission regulations, the DX530LC-7 excavator is powered by the new Scania DC13 Stage V compliant diesel engine, providing a higher power output of 294 kW (394 HP). The Scania engine offers a new solution to exceed Stage V with super-efficient DOC/DPF+SCR after-treatment technology to ensure minimal emissions. Best Performance in 50 tonne Class In the DX530LC-7, the enhanced performance of the DC13 engine is combined with a Virtual Bleed Off (VBO) hydraulic system (D-Ecopower+) and the new generation Smart Power Control Technology (SPC3), providing an overall fuel efficiency increase of 11%. Increased pump capacity and the higher power of the engine produces up to an 8% increase in productivity, the best-in-class performance in the 50 tonne market. A Wealth of New Features on the ADTs The Hillhead Digital display also comprises the new DA30-7 and DA45-7 Stage V compliant articulated dump trucks (ADTs) from Doosan. The DA30-7 has a payload of 28 tonne, while that of the DA45-7 is 41 tonne. The DA30-7 is powered by the new Scania Stage V compliant DC09 9 litre diesel engine providing 276 kW (375 HP) of power. The DA45-7 is driven by the new Scania Stage V DC13 13 litre diesel engine with an output of 368 kW (500 HP). Both new ADTs have been upgraded with a range of features including a new cab and a new self-levelling front suspension that adjusts itself independently depending on the operating conditions to ensure a comfortable working environment for the operator. Together with several striking visual changes, there are a number of functional changes on the new ADTs which improve safety, comfort and serviceability. These include a new positioning of the diesel and AdBlue tanks. The latter are now much lower than before, allowing the operator to fill both tanks whilst standing next to the machine (‘ground level filling’). The new ADTs are equipped as standard with a real-time payload measuring system with a light indication for excavator operators, which will help them to place optimal loads in the ADTs to ensure excellent productivity and low fuel consumption. The greasing system has also been relocated to make it easily accessible from ground level. Space has been provided above the automatic lubrication system (which is standard) for additional grease cartridges and a filling pump. DoosanCONNECT Fleet Management System as Standard All the Doosan machines 14 tonne and above are factory-installed with the latest DoosanCONNECT
NATIONAL framework provider Pagabo has launched its central procurement technology platform, which places everything at the fingertips of its users. It gives clients and suppliers access to a fully integrated procurement process through intelligent dashboards that provide real insights into projects, suppliers, social value and all the relevant information they need. My Pagabo simplifies the full tender process, allowing clients to track projects from initial engagement, right through to completion. The new platform is designed specifically to create a smarter, faster and easier way of working for everyone involved, and has seen the team dedicate more than 6,000 hours of time into the development. All the information clients may need will be centralised within the dashboard and separated out into several key sections. Clients can view the frameworks available to them and digitally sign the client access agreement for others within the platform. They will also be able to see all of the suppliers available to them, with each one having an individual profile showing the key company information, case studies and good news stories. My Pagabo also has integration that allows clients to view the Creditsafe score of all suppliers on the platform. The platform gives clients the ability to input all the necessary data for their organisation, and to onboard all the team members involved in procurement processes. Live projects can be viewed, and new ones can be started quickly and easily from the projects section. Julian Penna, business analyst at Pagabo, said: “After pouring quite literally thousands of hours into the development of My Pagabo to ensure we have created the most effective procurement technology possible; we’re thrilled to be fully launching the platform to kick off the new year. “The key thing for My Pagabo is providing a simple and central process, combined with instant access to all the information users need within a central platform. It brings procurement into the future through the use of digital and will allow clients to manage their complete procurement processes – including all correspondence – in a central location. As well as the obvious benefits of streamlining, time saving and less physical paperwork, clients will be able to manage the entire process from the outset starting with an expression of interest, through the tendering and awarding process – all backed up with a dedicated customer support service. Charlotte Brogan, design and build manager at Wildgoose Construction, who has been involved with the beta-testing of My Pagabo, said: “I’ve found using the My Pagabo platform easy to use and it’s made the procurement process very simple. The platform has allowed us access to frameworks that we’re eligible for, to register interest and submit important documents, which saves us a lot of time. “The construction industry is always changing. A lot of new technology is coming in, there’s lots happening around training new members of staff, and projects are having to find more efficient ways of working. The My Pagabo platform helps to streamline that, it addresses all of these items in the procurement stages, which is where we need to get that push. There’s only so much you can reduce costs in construction without compromising on quality, and this platform helps us to narrow down costs right at the start of a project.” Anne Giliker, procurement manager at Red Kite Learning Trust, who has been using the My Pagabo platform, said: “The My Pagabo platform allows me to manage my tenders and see where everything is up to at each stage of them as I go through. It’s incredibly simple and organised, allowing me to access all of the latest information that’s coming through from suppliers and I can see where everybody is during the entire process.” Simon Toplass, chief executive at Pagabo, said: “Our mission at Pagabo is to provide the industry with the best procurement processes possible, and the launch of My Pagabo really underlines this digital-first approach that is needed within the industry. “Social value is always at the heart of everything we do – and My Pagabo is no different. Users will be able to view our overall social value statistics for our network of frameworks, but the platform will also be fully integrated with Social Profit Calculator. This means that clients will be able to effectively and accurately measure the end-to-end, real life impact of their projects. “We believe that technology is there to help, not hinder us and this new platform will do a lot of the heavy lifting for our clients – saving them time, allowing them to engage with suppliers like never before, and making the whole end-to-end experience much better for clients.” Working with an independent specialist solicitor, Pagabo has put security and data protection at the forefront of activity, with terms of services, and acceptable use, privacy and cookie policies all in place to protect the data of all users. The platform will be free to use for all Pagabo clients. For more information about My Pagabo, please visit https://www.mypagabo.co.uk/.
Research by national estate agent, Keller Williams UK, has revealed that despite Covid causing a -38% year on year decrease due to lockdown restrictions, the property market in England and Wales still rallied to see a total of £171.7bn worth of residential property sold in 2020. Keller Williams analysed all residential property sales to complete via the Land Registry between January and December of last year, to see just what impact the current stamp duty holiday has had on the market. The research shows that in 2020, a total sum of £171.7bn worth of residential property was sold across England and Wales. An extremely respectable performance given the tricky landscape posed by the pandemic, although this is a marked decline on the £2.8bn sold in 2019. Highest sum of property sold When it comes to the most valuable pockets of the property market, London takes the silver gold and bronze. Westminster saw the highest sum of property sold prices, with £2.9bn worth of residential bricks and mortar sold in 2020. Kensington and Chelsea came second with £2.7bn worth of property sold, while Wandsworth was the third most valuable home selling hotspot with a total of £2.5bn worth of property selling last year. However, London far from dominates the top 20 most valuable areas of the property market in England and Wales. With a total of almost £2bn in property sold over the last year, Cornwall is the most valuable market outside of the capital. Birmingham also ranked high with £1.8bn in property sales throughout 2020. Leeds (£1.75bn) Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (£1.7bn), Wiltshire (£1.5bn), Bristol (£1.45bn), Dorset (£1.45bn) and Cheshire East (£1.4bn) also ranked as some of the most valuable areas of the property market outside of London. CEO of Keller Williams UK, Ben Taylor, commented: “Despite the radical market turn around spurred by the reopening of the property sector and the introduction of a stamp duty holiday, Covid has clearly had a lasting impact on the market in 2020. While the average house price has surged this year, a -38% reduction in the total value of property sold demonstrates the detrimental impact the pandemic had on market activity over the last year. This is even more significant when you consider that it’s compared with a 2019 market that was already operating sluggishly due to Brexit uncertainty. However, when considering all of these factors, it makes the late rally shown by the property market in the wake of a stamp duty holiday introduction all the more impressive. To think that this market revival still saw £171.7bn worth of residential property sold in what is a relatively short period of time is actually quite remarkable.” England and Wales 2019 2020 Change Total sum of property sold £277,490,140,743 £171,670,833,785 -38% Data sourced from the Land Registry Sold Price Records (Jan 2020 to Dec 2020) Table shows the top 20 areas to have seen the largest sold price sum of property sold District Median sold price Total sum of property sold CITY OF WESTMINSTER £950,000 £2,943,088,454 KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA £1,270,000 £2,686,441,764 WANDSWORTH £655,000 £2,514,098,748 CORNWALL £240,000 £1,984,888,965 CAMDEN £780,000 £1,856,469,571 BIRMINGHAM £180,000 £1,770,788,359 LEEDS £185,000 £1,754,133,158 BROMLEY £460,000 £1,747,027,590 BOURNEMOUTH, CHRISTCHURCH AND POOLE £290,000 £1,719,482,316 BARNET £540,000 £1,699,882,208 LAMBETH £550,000 £1,691,080,834 RICHMOND UPON THAMES £676,000 £1,609,154,142 HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM £765,000 £1,544,470,757 WILTSHIRE £270,000 £1,534,911,451 CITY OF BRISTOL £285,000 £1,454,265,744 DORSET £299,000 £1,451,908,502 CHESHIRE EAST £220,000 £1,406,148,108 CROYDON £390,000 £1,310,803,894 ELMBRIDGE £600,000 £1,278,730,756 SOUTHWARK £532,000 £1,194,475,137 Data sourced from the Land Registry Sold Price Records (Jan 2020 to Dec 2020)
The campaign for the government to ditch reverse charge VAT is mounting with the Federation of Master Builders, FMB, claiming two-thirds of SMEs believing it will damage cash flow. Scottish National Party MP Kirsten Oswald has already tabled an early day motion calling for the controversial new regime to be dropped. FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: “This is a damaging policy being introduced at the worst possible time for builders. By removing the flow of VAT money between businesses in the construction supply chain, four in ten builders say this will have a ‘significant or moderate’ impact on their cash flow.” The new regime was to have gone live in October 2019 but was deferred to 1st March 2021 following industry lobbying. The new policy means no-one in the supply chain can invoice for VAT and pass the money on later to the tax office. Build UK has told the government that many SMEs are fighting to consolidate their cash flow following the pandemic and the effects of leaving the EU. It has set up a Twitter hashtag #StopReverseVAT to channel responses from affected construction companies. The organisation calculates that for companies that submit quarterly VAT returns they will need an extra five per cent of annual sales to compensate for the loss of cash flow. Firms who submit monthly returns will need an extra three per cent of annual sales. “The introduction of the charge at this time will put jobs and businesses at risk and may result in companies that survived the Covid-19 outbreak and the UK’s withdrawal from the EU being undone by this additional burden,” said Build UK deputy chief executive Jo Fautley. Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said that property development lenders would be there to support SMEs experiencing cash flow hardship. Licensing builders holds key to tackling fraud The new policy is being introduced to tackle missing trader scams where fraudsters import goods VAT-free from other countries and then sell to domestic buyers charging them VAT. City Lofts London director Deepak Sing Udassi believes a mandatory licensing scheme for the construction industry would be a better means for tackling the issue. “Due to the little to no regulation in the industry, rogue traders are able to operate freely, to the detriment of consumers and reputable businesses like mine. “Licensing would also drive-up standards, professionalism and the reputation of the industry, which is clearly not well regarded across Whitehall as demonstrated by this punitive policy.” Elland and Steel Structures Ltd managing director Mark Denham said: “If this initiative is applied from 1t March, it will be the ‘final nail in the coffin’ for many sub-contractors both big and small. “Reverse VAT penalises good honest companies that have continually paid their VAT on time.” Build UK is calling on all firms in the supply chain to write to their MPs to request support for the forthcoming early day motion.
New technology will be used to design Enfield Council’s £6bn Meridian Water development to ensure it delivers the maximum benefits to as many people as possible. Jacobs is partnering with Enfield Council to provide program and master plan leadership, technical design and planning advisory services for the development of a new masterplan for Meridian Water. The company is using geodesign technology to make the development sustainable and ensure there is good access to parks, transport links, schools, healthcare, food and jobs ensuring Meridian Water is a truly transformational scheme for the people of Enfield. They showcased their design software in the ‘Meridian Water – Sustainable and Resilient by Design’ presentation given at the Esri 2021 Geodesign Summit which was hosted online between 9-11 February. Details of the presentation can be found in the Jacobs Newsroom at https://www.jacobs.com/newsroom With cities around the world are facing unprecedented levels of change. The usual drivers – a warming climate, rapid population growth, urbanization, and advances in technology have been exacerbated by coronavirus, exposing social inequality and reinforcing the message of how connected our communities are. It means the plans for Meridian Water must have plans in place to ensure it, and its residents, can meet the challenges of the future, head on. Enfield Council’s Leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan, said: “We have always been clear that Meridian Water is more than just a housing development, it is a pathway to jobs, prosperity and a better future for thousands of Enfield residents. But the scheme needs to be resilient and enable the people who live there to rise to future challenges by being resilient and sustainable for many years to come. “Using this approach will enable us to find innovative solutions to the challenges we face in planning this scheme and ensure we have a wealth of data available before we make critical decisions. It will directly benefit the people of Enfield because we will deliver a world class development for them which will be genuinely transformational for our borough.” The Meridian Water redevelopment project is a major £6 billion, 20-year regeneration program led by Enfield Council, bringing 10,000 homes and 6,000 jobs to the borough. Alongside beautiful homes and world-class public spaces and community facilities, the 200-acre development will have its own brand-new railway station – which is already completed, linking commuters to the region. As well as working on the masterplan, Jacobs is also providing client technical advisory service across several disciplines during the design and delivery of over £150 million of strategic infrastructure works to help unlock the Meridian Water site. For more information contact Andrew Golder, Press and New Media Manager, Enfield Council. Tel: 020 8379 5147. Email: Andrew.golder@enfield.gov.uk
Timber and panel imports reached 1.08 million m3 in November 2020, which was the highest monthly total since the October 2007 volume of 1.04 million m3. This was the second consecutive month where imports of the main timber and panel products were above the 1 million m3 mark. The growth in the imports of the main timber and panel products in November 2020 of nearly 37% is in stark contrast to the 39% reduction in volume in April 2020. David Hopkins, CEO of the Timber Trade Federation, said: “This demonstrates that the timber supply chain has been working at full steam trying to meet the unprecedented demand. Record volumes of timber are being brought in and absorbed by the market as quickly as they are coming off the dock, often by previous allocation. “We can expect construction and renovation to play a large role in these plans, putting extra pressure on supply chains in terms of availability and inflation. “This has caused problems across the supply chain, particularly the merchant-to-builder route, causing strain and shortages in certain areas.”
Whether you want to create a grand entrance or a bold first impression, windows and doors play an important role in enhancing a building’s kerb appeal. But with so many design options to choose from, how do you know which one to opt for, or what to recommend to your customers? As we head into a new year, Nick Cowley, managing director of manufacturer of uPVC windows Euramax, analyses some of the key trends for 2021. DIY sales soared in 2020, as homeowners spent their time indoors making home improvements. In fact, the Office for National Statistics reported a 1.5 per cent rise in DIY sales between August and September 2020, at a time when many industries stood still. This trend could well persist throughout 2021, with homeowners continuing to spruce up their spaces. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the window and door trends worth the investment. A splash of colour It’s a common assumption that poly vinyl chloride (uPVC) window frames come in standard white. While some may prefer to keep things simple, coloured window frames are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Dubbed “the new white,” grey frames work well across numerous house styles, from trendy modern spaces to more traditional, period properties. The neutral shade can create a sophisticated effect while offering a hint of colour, making it the perfect choice if you want a subtle break from conformity. Moving away from traditional woodgrain and white uPVC, doors could also receive a splash of colour in 2021. Composite doors are one of the most popular entrance door options, and are available in a range of colours. Inspired by perhaps the most famous front doors in the country, 10 Downing Street, black is an increasingly popular choice for those who prefer a sleek and simple statement. Taking inspiration from elsewhere in politics, Chartwell green is another shade that continues to gain traction. Named after Winston Churchill’s Kent home, the light and bright pastel shade provides a refreshing change from traditional colour options. Time to open up As well as revitalising homes, many homeowners paid extra attention to their gardens in 2020 — and what better way keep enjoying them than to bring a touch of the outdoors inside? Open plan has been a popular trend for many years as homeowners seek to create a large and airy space that transports them from feeling confined indoors. However, budget restrictions and the need for extensive remodelling can put the open plan dream on hold. Instead, additions such as bi-folding doors can make an effective replacement. In the warmer weather, bi-folds can completely fold away to create the illusion of more space and a fluid transition between the home and garden. In the winter months, their floor-to-ceiling glass panels bring in plenty of natural light. Opening just one panel at a time means they can still be used as an access point while keeping the heat in. Window shopping As we grow a year closer to the UK’s 2050 net zero emissions target, our homes need to do more than just look good. Among all building envelopes, the design of a home’s exterior, windows and doors are a main culprit for heat loss — with losses accounting for 20 to 30 per cent of a building’s entire energy consumption. To improve thermal efficiency, some may opt for triple glazing. The third pane of glass, located halfway between the inner and outer panes of double glazing, creates two air locks that beat the energy performance of regular double glazing by around 50 per cent. Between each pane is a pocket of air or inert gas, such as argon, which is heavier than air and works as an insulator for both noise and heat. However, this window option can cost around 20 per cent more than double glazed options, so it’s worth evaluating if the extra pane is worth the upfront investment. Thermally efficient frames can also have a large bearing on the overall performance of a window, so should also be considered when looking to improve energy efficiency. Because argon gas is denser than air, adding it to the captive air in double glazed windows improves their thermal efficiency, without the needed for added glass. When used in conjunction with a special low emissivity glass coating, argon gas can bring the temperature of the window closer to room temperature. Whether you plan to continue sprucing up your space in 2021, or are looking to reduce your heating bills with smart upgrades, windows and doors could be the key to your new year’s refresh.
Construction engineering consultancy, Howard Ward Associates (HWA), has made a positive start to 2021 with a pipeline of work with a GDV of approximately £125m and a new appointment to the team within its first quarter. Nottingham-based HWA delivers construction engineering consultancy services across the country in sectors including education, healthcare, emergency services and residential. Following a busy 2020 and a strong pipeline of work this year, plus continued investment in technology, HWA is able to invest in the next generation of its team members. Structural engineer Jack Thompson has joined the team following the completion of his BEng Civil Engineering (Hons) degree at Nottingham Trent University, where he is continuing his studies with a masters in Structural Engineering. A student member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Jack will support the senior HWA team by producing designs, drawings and calculations for projects and developing solutions to complex technical challenges. Jack will be busy out of the office too; visiting construction sites for inspections and providing advice and guidance to contractors and suppliers to ensure the smooth delivery of schemes. On his new appointment, Jack said: “I’m incredibly pleased to start my new role at HWA and have the opportunity to advance my career at a company that is well-respected and highly experienced in the industry. “Thanks to a recommendation by a principal engineer at HWA, I knew I wanted to join the team here – I was able to experience three weeks at the company prior to Christmas, to get to know everyone and get a good feel for how the company operates. “The team have been very supportive when it comes to my studies and I will have the chance to work on a mixture of great projects, use different types of design and meet people from all sectors of the industry.” Established in 1977, HWA has worked across high-profile schemes, both locally and nationally, and continues to develop and expand its talented team to further service its clients. One of the firm’s latest projects is The Oaks, Coventry – a significant, phased, student accommodation development located close to the University of Warwick. HWA provided civil and structural engineering services from feasibility and planning stages through the construction stage which is currently on site. HWA also recently completed its work in a ground-breaking renewables project in Lancashire. 250 social housing properties were fitted with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels – the result of a three-year initiative to help revolutionise the sector’s usage of renewable energy. Closer to home, on a pro-bono basis the company assisted charitable organisation Lowdham Railway Heritage to relocate Lowdham’s original signal box to a new position, which meant lifting the historic structure across the lines. Giles Ward, managing director at HWA, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Jack to the team, as we enter a new year that is set to be a busy and positive one for the company. Jack brings a great attitude to his role, an abundance of skills and an eagerness to learn. He is already settling in well to the team. “Given the challenges faced by us all over the last year, we are proud of the resilience, flexibility and motivation shown by our team – it has allowed us to continue working with new clients – and continue to provide efficient and flexible service. “We have worked on many unique and ground-breaking projects over the last year – which have supported both our local communities in the East Midlands and further afield – and we’re looking forward to delivering the exciting pipeline of works we have lined up in 2021.”