Now the global positioning system, more commonly known as GPS is the essential component of any device helping to determine its geolocation in real-time that helps to find lost devices, build the routes and follow the shipments simplifying our lives. Primarily designed for military purposes, now it’s a valuable addition
The total value of contract awards in January 2021 was £4.3 billion, a decrease of 12% on December 2020 and also 10% lower than the monthly average in 2020 which was £4.8 billion. The latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI, highlights levels
With the fire cladding crisis making headline news, industry experts are looking at the role of technology to improve fire safety standards today, and in the future. In response to evidence heard at the Grenfell Inquiry, the Government’s White Paper¹ on social housing and the draft Building Safety Bill, there
Now under the impressive CPG (Construction Products Group) Europe banner, and with an experienced, proven team at the helm, StructureCare has welcomed 2021 with a brand new website full of information, which is simple and quick to explore and designed to aid the architect, surveyor, contractor and asset manager when
Academics at Northumbria University, Newcastle, have been backed by the Government’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to develop an antiviral coating suitable for use on everyday surfaces. DASA, part of the Ministry of Defence, has commissioned a research team from Northumbria to develop a new type of multifunctional antiviral coating
It is no longer news that the standard of personal hygiene and sanitation has been raised, over the years. High traffic areas with objects touched by different people require more attention to curtail the spread of germs. You will need to focus more of your attention on the areas or
Many homeowners love conducting home renovations and projects every once in a while as a way of improving their homes and these home improvement projects are more than just hanging a banksy canvas on the wall for interior design. We’re talking about renovations that can potentially increase your home’s value.
Work has completed on a £5.5 million transport infrastructure project that will pave the way for a major new business park development near Redditch. Stoford Developments has delivered infrastructure works and a signalised traffic junction at the 78-acre Redditch Gateway site off Gorcott Hill and the A4023 Coventry Highway. The
Leading wireless fire detection and alarms manufacturer Hyfire has supplied over 550 cutting-edge detectors and other devices to ABCA Systems for installation in social housing developments across London, protecting the residents of five landmark tower blocks. Notting Hill Genesis, one of the UK’s largest independent housing associations, with more
Leading national scaffolding and access firm Lyndon SGB is proud to be supplying complex access solutions on one of the most prestigious and largest scaffolding projects in the country – the £330 million ‘Our Town Hall’ renovation of the iconic Manchester Town Hall. The vast refurbishment of the Grade 1-listed
Now the global positioning system, more commonly known as GPS is the essential component of any device helping to determine its geolocation in real-time that helps to find lost devices, build the routes and follow the shipments simplifying our lives. Primarily designed for military purposes, now it’s a valuable addition to any business with the logistics department. Here are the main changes it brings to the logistics industry helping to ensure optimal resource usage: Enhancing drivers’ security As GPS systems allow to track parameters like distance per day, average speed, frequency of refueling, and so on, it’s possible to assess the driver’s safety by comparing the stats against the generally accepted security requirements. It helps to recreate the driving behavior and ensure that the drivers do not miss the regular break times and do not exceed the speed limits minimizing their chances of getting into a road accident making the drivers more secure. Minimizing the risks of vehicle theft Following the previous security point, there were cases when vehicles carrying precious cargo were stolen causing financial damages both for transportations companies, and their end customers. With GPS tracking for trucks, logistics managers will be able to monitor all the deviations from the route to reach out to a driver to find out the reasons, and even if an incident happens, it will be easy to find the missing vehicle. Live resource monitoring Advanced GPS-based applications make it possible to organize the live resource monitoring and track the usage of the resources. Also, with a faster method of communication between a logistics operator and a driver, if something goes wrong, it will be easier to calculate the distance to the nearest repair station and keep the end customer informed about the delay. It’s also useful during unplanned road maintenance events and extreme weather conditions, as checking the current location, it will be easier to check all the alternative routes to choose the best option. Simplified fleet management There might be cases when the route is changed in the middle of the way, or additional pickups and delivery points are added. Using a ready GPS tracking solution or developing a custom one allows us to introduce changes in the route on the go, and it will be synced with the driver’s application making the communication faster and operations more productive. Tracking the stats received from every vehicle will help to determine when they start consuming more fuel and require regular repairs, and as a result, you will be able to arrange the purchases of new vehicles to cope with the business load “GPS fleet tracking is revolutionizing the logistics industry, providing unparalleled efficiency and cost savings for startups transforming last-mile logistics.” – As per the founder of Route4Me. Costs reduction The tracking tools help to reduce the human resources necessary to manage the transportations, as the work that was previously done by people can be delegated to smart GPS software. The office maintenance costs can also be reduced, as monitoring the work of the GPS system is possible to arrange remotely. On the basis of data received from a single-vehicle regarding their average distance per day, stops, and refueling frequently, it will be easier to analyze the costs, establish the best route planning, and monitor your drivers to have better visibility on what’s happening on their way. As a result, these positive changes that GPS fleet tracking is bringing to the logistics industry, business owners can free the time spent previously on operational activity and dedicate more resources to strategic planning and expansion following the current market demands like the transportation of machinery or modular homes. Last but not least, it allows us to shift the focus to the end customer. With the optimized logistics, your business will be able to deliver top-notch customer service improving their experience providing users more precise data on the delivery dates, and enable them to receive their shipments faster.
The total value of contract awards in January 2021 was £4.3 billion, a decrease of 12% on December 2020 and also 10% lower than the monthly average in 2020 which was £4.8 billion. The latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI, highlights levels of construction contract values awarded across Great Britain. Sector analysis shows that the total value of infrastructure projects reached £500 million in January, which is 57% lower than December 2020. The total value of contract awards for industrial were also low compared to recent figures, in January the total value was £600 million which is a decline of 24% compared to December 2020. However, there was significant activity in the warehousing sub-sector. Two of the top four overall contract awards in January were warehouse projects – including the £125 million Next Warehouse in South Elmsall Yorkshire, and the £100 million Uniserve Distribution Centre in Suffolk. Planning in January was also strong in the industrial sector with a total of £700 million new approvals. The hotel leisure and sport sector saw exceptional activity with £1.8 billion of approvals – major projects included the £1.3 billion Olympia Redevelopment in London, a £250 million Gateshead Quays Redevelopment in the North East, and the £350 million Manchester Arena project in the North West. Commenting on the figures, Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Barbour ABI and AMA Research said, “The planning environment maintained activity in January, continuing its recent trajectory at lower than average levels. Those hoping for a bounce in activity as we leave the EU will be disappointed; clearly the Covid-19 pandemic remains the main factor suppressing activity. Meanwhile it is positive to see some life in the Hotel and Leisure sector with record planning approvals over the last quarter.” Download the full report here: https://bit.ly/3aXPIuJ
With the fire cladding crisis making headline news, industry experts are looking at the role of technology to improve fire safety standards today, and in the future. In response to evidence heard at the Grenfell Inquiry, the Government’s White Paper¹ on social housing and the draft Building Safety Bill, there has never been more intense focus on improving fire prevention and response infrastructure for social housing. The Government’s White Paper on social housing sets out how it will deliver fundamental change, to ensure people feel safe and secure in their homes. Two key steps are to legislate to strengthen the objective of the Regulator of Social Housing so that it will explicitly include fire safety, and to require social landlords to be regulated and remain transparent. Furthermore, the Government will launch a consultation on requiring smoke alarms in social housing. Also, the Government has set out that it will expect the Regulator of Social Housing to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding with the Health and Safety Executive, to ensure effective sharing of information with the Building Safety Regulator. It’s becoming increasingly clear that success will require new approaches to how social housing providers monitor and manage fire risk in their buildings. James King, Connected Homes Director of fire safety technology experts FireAngel, says: “We welcome the Government’s White Paper on social housing and its new Charter for social housing residents, which aims to ensure greater landlord accountability and transparent communication with tenants. This and the draft Building Safety Bill point to a lot of work around fire prevention. ‘We’re at a stage where technology can shoulder some of the responsibility of fire safety, and housing providers, fire services and regulators can use it to protect tenants and homes more effectively. ‘Since the Grenfell tragedy, the relationship between the Fire Rescue Service and social landlords has strengthened and there is huge interest on both sides in how connected technology can provide real-time information, assess risk and engage with tenants to ensure they are and feel safe. With the right technologies, fire prevention and response can become easier, more effective and more proactive. ‘By introducing connected technologies such as IoT and AI, social landlords can create serious efficiencies and relieve some of the burden of fire prevention, and can also make life safer and easier for their tenants. Post-Grenfell, more than 400 ‘waking watches’ were established around the country to monitor buildings. However, they’re expensive and only designed to work as an interim measure; relying on humans for fire prevention shouldn’t be the only intervention and it certainly isn’t sustainable long term”, adds James King. “With remote monitoring and cloud connectivity of smoke detectors, social landlords can streamline fire prevention, as it creates an opportunity for centralised, off-site monitoring so that multiple sites can be managed from a single place. ‘Connected technology can be installed within the parameters of an existing budget, and potentially provide more protection. ‘This combination of IOT and AI technologies provides 24/7 oversight of buildings and their changing fire risks, collecting data that can be analysed for trends and patterns. AI can even offer predictive analysis based on these trends, which gets more accurate the more data it processes. With the right technologies, today we can automate these processes, highlighting who needs more support to help housing providers engage directly with at-risk tenants, encouraging independent living and proactive intervention. ‘From the fire services’ perspective, connected technology and remote monitoring enable them to assess data relating to, not only the condition of the building materials, but also vulnerable tenants, managing and preventing risks. From a tenant’s perspective, digitisation means they can be informed on the state of the safety system within their own homes and they can report concerns and engage with social landlords easily. For the fire service, connected technology can enable them not only to monitor but to prevent risk, before it becomes a 999 call,” adds James King. ¹ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-charter-for-social-housing-residents-social-housing-white-paper
Now under the impressive CPG (Construction Products Group) Europe banner, and with an experienced, proven team at the helm, StructureCare has welcomed 2021 with a brand new website full of information, which is simple and quick to explore and designed to aid the architect, surveyor, contractor and asset manager when specifying the company’s market leading products and services. The StructureCare website can be found here www.structurecare.com. StructureCare is a structural maintenance and repair company, providing a range of product and service portfolios covering the infrastructure, industrial, retail, commercial and residential industry sectors in the UK. The team specialises in transforming car park facilities, waterproofing elevated service decks, flat roofs and podium slabs, as well as installing specialist protective coatings and movement joints to prolong the life of a structure. The website looks at the six business areas – Roofing, Structural Waterproofing, Car Parks, Movement Joints, Concrete Repair and Corrosion Management, and Asset Management – on the front page so one click directs the visitor quickly to where they need to be. Other new areas encompass downloadable product and technical brochures; full case study reports illustrating in detail how StructureCare works on each project; CPDs; and News and Blogs. Ryan Williams, Business Development Manager, says of plans for 2021 “We are looking forward to completing our current projects, starting new ones and implementing our product development strategy. Lots of plans and new projects are in the pipeline and the new website, and our professional social media, will be updated regularly so we are maximising our communications to our customers and partners.”
Academics at Northumbria University, Newcastle, have been backed by the Government’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to develop an antiviral coating suitable for use on everyday surfaces. DASA, part of the Ministry of Defence, has commissioned a research team from Northumbria to develop a new type of multifunctional antiviral coating which could form part of the country’s biodefence – crucial to combatting public health crises such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), academics from the University’s Department of Applied Sciences are working to create a unique “superhydrophobic” – low friction – coating that enables surfaces to be functionalised in a way that destroys viruses whilst maintaining robust and easy-to-clean properties. While antiviral coatings are not a new concept, existing approaches can release undesirable chemical compounds into the environment, are not long lasting or are difficult to clean and maintain. This novel coating aims to provide a solution to the drawbacks of current formulas. Funding from DASA will enable the research team to explore wide-ranging applications, to understand whether the coating is universally robust on an array of surfaces and materials. It is hoped that in the future it could be used on high-contact surfaces such as handrails on public transport, hospital trolleys or shop till-points, as well as domestically – on door handles or bathroom taps, for example. Such a scientific development is a vital biodefence tool that could help bring down the COVID-19 ‘R’ rate, while allowing more scope for ‘normal’ life to continue. Dr Matt Unthank, project lead and Associate Professor in Polymer Chemistry, said: “Having the ability and insight to design multifunctional coating systems that can create long lasting defence against viruses, whilst also being compatible with everyday life, is challenging yet important. “It’s not just about destroying viruses in the laboratory. New coating systems and surface treatments need to be robustness, easy to clean, universal in their application, safe and low cost. Our research seeks to explore these interdependencies and to develop new antiviral coating systems for the current and future pandemics.” Routes to antiviral surfaces Disinfecting methods such as chemical, bleach or alcohol-based products actively destroy, or deactivate, microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses on contact. However, this approach requires constant retreatment of the surfaces with disinfecting agent which can be labour intensive and impractical. An alternative approach is to create a permanent or semi-permanent surface that destroys virus particles on contact, known as an ‘antiviral’ surface. These fall into two major categories: 1) those that slowly leach virucidal chemicals from a coated surface into the environment resulting in an antiviral effect, known as ‘controlled release’ biocidal or virucidal coatings. 2) those that have a surface that is permanently capable of destroying microorganisms, such as coronavirus and are known as ‘contact biocidal’ or ‘contact virucidal’ coating Ian Shortman, technical partner and Senior Scientist at Dstl, said: “This work aims to develop transparent coatings which are both biocidal and water repellent. The approaches being adopted could provide a wide range of benefits, and be easily applied to a range of surfaces such as textiles and plastics.” Andrew Caldwell, Head of DASA, said: “Congratulations to Northumbria University, we look forward to seeing the progress of this important and exciting project. “This work is a great example of how DASA working with others finds, funds and helps accelerate the development of important innovations that help keep us all safe.” Dr Matt Unthank and his team are focussing on developing new multifunctional contact biocidal and virucidal coatings, which are safe, do not release chemicals to the environment and are user friendly and universal in their application. One disadvantage of all biocidal and virucidal coatings is that surface contamination by dust, debris and dirt can disable its antiviral capabilities overtime. An ideal coating system would be both potent in its antimicrobial properties but also easy-clean or even self-cleaning in nature. This concept is the inspiration for the low friction, or ‘superhydrophobic’ qualities of the coatings under development by researchers at Northumbria University – a vision that sets it apart from existing antiviral coating technologies.
It is no longer news that the standard of personal hygiene and sanitation has been raised, over the years. High traffic areas with objects touched by different people require more attention to curtail the spread of germs. You will need to focus more of your attention on the areas or objects that attract a high population of people, as this has increased the need for more effective disinfection methods, and surface cleaner. Disinfection supplies, such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, sprays and wipes have been witnessing high demand, and we can’t be blind to the roles they play in fighting microbial contamination. This article will expose you to the importance of bio fogging within office premises, which is a new approach to disinfection methods. As a result of the shift of higher sanitation requirements, it has gained more attention recently, even though the technology has been around for years. What is bio fogging? Over-the-counter disinfectants will only disinfect a small targeted area, due to the limited size and expulsion capabilities of a typical spray bottle. Bio fogging takes ordinary disinfecting to the next level. In areas of all sizes from a small studio apartment to a large business office, bio fogging is undoubtedly a very useful and powerful tool. Most importantly, bio fogging provides a wide-reaching mist that reaches hard surfaces and covers high traffic, applying disinfectant in a fell swoop. How it functions A liquid antimicrobial solution that is converted into a vapour is used with the aid of the ULV Fogger (Ultra Low Volume). It develops into a thick mist or fog-like atmosphere, as more vapour is dispersed, therefore the reason for the name ‘fogging.’ Ranging from hard-to-reach places that oftentimes go unnoticed, the fogging application covers anything it comes in contact with. It is also worthy of note that fogging fights airborne pathogens as it passes through lands and air, and on a surface. All hard-surfaces are wiped down to remove excess solution, once disinfection has been completed. It is important that after recently disinfecting your office building, you need to stay away from the environment, for at least 6 hours. Advantages of bio fogging It is normal for your office building or home, or other premises to naturally retain viruses, bacteria, and dust. Germs are of special concern in high contact areas, as they can gather anywhere. The objects you and other individuals touch the most are high contact areas with different objects and surfaces. Typical examples are light switches, tabletops, and doorknobs. The traffic these areas generate make them a hotspot and breed grounds of germs, and cross-contamination. People will leave bacteria for the next person to pick up because the more people that touch that same area. In addition to high contact areas increasing the chances of germs spreading between persons, they can also be a virus hotspot— Coronavirus, for instance. Other places you should be concerned with are the corners of your office building that you don’t clean often as a result of how difficult it is to reach them. tough-to-reach places still collect germs and may still receive contact from individuals, despite their remote location. With the help of fogging services, you will cut off the need to move furniture to enable you to disinfect contaminated areas. It is normal for Fog clings to the surface as it lands when applying disinfectant because it passes through the crack. With bio fogging, you save yourself heavy lifting and time, and still reaches hard-to-reach places. The most noticeable benefit bio fogging offers is its ability to clean any size of areas with ease. As aforementioned, over-the-counter supplies can only reach a limited area because of their simple spraying feature. The potency of fogging in combating Coronavirus Considering the way people contact the Coronavirus, which takes the same form of germs contamination, anti-covid fogging is, as a result, important. According to a study, Coronavirus can last 24 hours on cardboards, 72 hours on stainless steel and plastic. Even with the invention of the vaccine, it is still important to practise stringent hygiene measures which include disinfecting and cleaning objects and surfaces that are frequently touched by people, which further emphasizes the importance of bio fogging in the environment you stay in the most. We are likely to continue to see waves of coronavirus infections for some time to come, even when national restrictions are lifted all over the world. It would be worse during winter months because many people will be indoor for longer with less ventilation. Hence, the reason you have to continue using hygienic practices and stay vigilant.
Many homeowners love conducting home renovations and projects every once in a while as a way of improving their homes and these home improvement projects are more than just hanging a banksy canvas on the wall for interior design. We’re talking about renovations that can potentially increase your home’s value. Your house is not just a home, but it’s also a valuable and possible lifetime investment. If you work hard to take care of your home and preserve its quality and stability, your home value will also increase. An increased home value can be your valuable source of income as you age. As you decide to improve your home, there are two factors you may have to consider first: improvements that can increase your house’s value to you or improvements that could increase your home’s value to others when you soon sell it. While deciding, keep in mind that the most valuable home improvements are those projects that increase your house’s worth more than the amount you’ve spent on it. However, it may be hard to say how much your home could be valued over time, as sometimes it depends on uncontrollable factors like the economy, the number of homes available in the market, and more. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that your home gets the top value it deserves when you soon sell it. Here are the five home improvements you can do to increase your home value: Get Your Roof In Shape You may not see your roof every day as you move in and out of your house, but it’s actually one of the easiest parts to see by prospective buyers. Your roof doesn’t only serve as your home’s shield from natural elements, but also boost your home value. A well-maintained and stable roof will look appealing to your buyers and can positively add value to your resale price too. To ensure your roof stays in shape, schedule regular roof maintenance and inspections with a roofing company like www.topglaze.com.au, especially before winter. A roof that’s regularly checked is guaranteed to have a longer lifespan. 2. Upgrade Your Kitchen One of the massive changes you can make to your homes is kitchen remodeling. Your kitchen is also one of your house’s areas that buyers check before purchasing. The good reason for this is that kitchens are the heart of your home, and that’s where homeowners prepare their food to fuel their bodies with energy. Hence, it’s essential for homeowners and homebuyers to have an updated and functional kitchen. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a big budget to remodel your kitchen. You can start by modernising your kitchen countertops and cabinets and updating your faucets, sinks, and flooring. You can either DIY this or call the help of a contractor. 3. Renovate Your Bathroom A renovated bathroom can guarantee you an excellent return of investment. There are a few ways to renovate your bathroom without involving the electrical and plumbing system. Some smart DIY changes you can do include: Upgrading your bathroom’s lighting Adding new tile floors Replacing your bathroom mirrors Changing your old toilet with an updated water-saving design Do valuable research first to make sure all your bathroom renovations can guarantee you a return of investment. 4. Window Replacement Your windows are the eyes of your home. They also help create your home’s first impression from the outside. When they’re rusty and unclean, people may think your house is not well-cleaned and maintained. Thus, replacing them is a great way to add value to your home. Besides that, upgraded windows can also enhance your home’s energy efficiency, which means you wouldn’t have to spend much on HVAC. The cost for upgrading your windows will vary on your home’s size and the quality of windows you choose. Nonetheless, new windows can earnestly complement the overall look of your house. 5. Basic Home Updates The best way to keep your home at its top value is by conducting regular home updates. That includes keeping your home’s paint fresh, replacing wood that shows potential rot, fixing the roof as soon as it shows leaks, and getting rid of all the mold you see. Keeping up with these updates will help your home be in its best shape and away from any risk of deterioration. Everyone knows that one thing all buyers look for is a safe, solid, and well-cared home, and you can guarantee that to them by being consistent with your routine maintenance. Wrapping Up There are still endless options on how you can improve your home and boost its value. To make sure you’re doing the suitable projects, focus your home improvements on smaller projects that can enhance your home’s quality and make it more appealing to buyers. Be more mindful about energy efficiency and updates that can boost your home’s character and comfort. Don’t hesitate to consult custom home builders for a professional opinion on how to do so.
Work has completed on a £5.5 million transport infrastructure project that will pave the way for a major new business park development near Redditch. Stoford Developments has delivered infrastructure works and a signalised traffic junction at the 78-acre Redditch Gateway site off Gorcott Hill and the A4023 Coventry Highway. The project will open up approximately 35 acres of development land on the northern side of the site within the Bromsgrove district, in Worcestershire, and a further 27 acres to the south, which sits in the Stratford-on-Avon district, in Warwickshire. The works were completed by appointed contractor, Fitzgerald Contractors. Redditch Gateway is a £200 million build-to-suit logistics and manufacturing scheme that will deliver up to one million sq ft of brand new office, logistics and manufacturing accommodation. Steelwork has been erected and cladding has been installed on Unit A, a 366,000 sq ft warehouse building to the north of the site. Construction of the building, which has been pre-let to a multinational retailer, is set to be completed in Q3 2021. Redditch Gateway has capacity for two additional build-to-suit units of between 150,000 sq ft – 250,000 sq ft, with integral office space, secure yard space and parking. Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford Developments, said: “Redditch Gateway is an exciting development in a strategically important West Midlands location, just a few miles from the M42. There is huge pent up demand for industrial/logistics accommodation of this size and quality in the region and our significant investment in the development of the infrastructure and junction works is the first step in realising our vision for this landmark scheme. We are very pleased to have completed this phase of the project and look forward to delivering the first unit this year.” Councillor Ken Pollock, Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure, said: “This is a very exciting scheme because it is one of the key employment sites in our County. Now more than ever, the future development of Redditch Gateway will help make a substantial contribution to Worcestershire’s future economic prosperity. It marks the culmination of many years of hard work to promote this well located site.” Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “As one of the four game changer employment sites in Worcestershire we are pleased to be partners in the investment to unlock this key project in north Worcestershire. With work complete on the improved local traffic infrastructure, we look forward to this developing into a successful employment location in the region.” Councillor Matt Dormer, Leader of Redditch Borough Council, said: “It is great to see the work progressing on the Redditch Gateway site. These infrastructure works are critical to enabling the delivery of the brand new logistics and manufacturing premises on the site. Redditch Borough Council has worked closely with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP and Worcestershire LEP to support this project, which will bring new investment and jobs to the borough. We look forward to working with Stoford Developments on bringing investment and development to the rest of the site.” Councillor Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: “I am very pleased that this development is now complete. It represents a major investment in the area. At a time when the local economy needs a boost it is extremely welcome.” Chris Loughran, Deputy Chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The completion of a high quality industrial development such as Redditch Gateway is key to securing jobs for local people and inviting new investments to the region. It is fantastic to see work progressing so well, and GBSLEP is committed to supporting schemes which can have hugely positive impacts for our businesses, residents and visitors. This is a brilliant example of how we can work with our partners to deliver such projects and transform previously unused sites for the development of our regional economy.” Tim Davies, Senior Development Manager, Homes England, said: “Having committed land and provided finance to the scheme through the last six years, it is fantastic to see this scheme coming to fruition. Stoford continues to be an effective partner engaging with occupiers and stakeholders to deliver schemes of this nature. With the Homes England land now serviced we are looking forward to further phases coming forward facilitating employment and training opportunities in the local community.” Redditch Gateway is located on the eastern fringes of Redditch, just 2.5 miles from junction 3 of the M42 and 18 miles from Birmingham Airport. The site falls into two local authority areas, Stratford-on-Avon in Warwickshire to the north and Bromsgrove district to the south. Based in a key distribution area of the Midlands, the site is adjacent to local occupiers including iForce John Lewis, Lear Corporation, UK NSI, Thorlux Lighting and Huegli UK. Stoford has been appointed as development partner for Redditch Gateway, working alongside the two landowners, The Gorcott Trust and Homes England. The development is being supported by £1.8 million investment from the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growing Places Fund and grant support from Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership. Redditch Gateway is being marketed by Burbage Realty, Colliers International and Savills.
Leading wireless fire detection and alarms manufacturer Hyfire has supplied over 550 cutting-edge detectors and other devices to ABCA Systems for installation in social housing developments across London, protecting the residents of five landmark tower blocks. Notting Hill Genesis, one of the UK’s largest independent housing associations, with more than 65,000 properties in and around London, was looking for a fast and sustainable solution to upgrade the fire systems in its properties, with as little disruption to residents as possible. After careful consultation and extensive research, ABCA specified Hyfire wireless devices, which can be programmed and installed in minutes to offer maximum protection, with no need for wiring or redecoration. Anthony McKinnon, Contracts Manager at ABCA, said: “With rapidly evolving fire safety regulations and best practice, social landlords are taking a no-compromise approach to fire safety, recognising the need to offer protection and reassurance to occupants of all properties. Wireless is the fastest and most flexible way to deliver this and, as Hyfire is the most experienced player in the wireless market, we knew that their wireless detectors and other devices could offer the reliability and quality demanded by Notting Hill Genesis.” Hyfire offers the widest range of commercial standard wireless fire devices on the market, ranging from optical, multi-criteria and heat detectors to notification, alarm, interface and control units, all fully certified to EN54. All products offer the highest performance and quality in the industry, and are also fully compliant with BS5839 Part 1. Fire panels are wired via a loop to translators, from which wireless devices can be used on their own to build fully wireless systems of virtually any size, or mixed with Hyfire wired products to provide seamless hybrid solutions, offering total flexibility to specifiers and installers. Robert Bruce, Regional Sales Manager at Hyfire, said: “Social landlords like Notting Hill Genesis are under intense pressure to deliver rapid enhancements to the fire systems in residential properties, so they need the very best professional commercial fire protection. By working with innovative installers such as ABCA, they are coming to realise the benefits that wireless can offer. In fact, professionals working with Hyfire wireless products no longer consider wired devices unless they have to. “Whereas many people think of wireless devices as being best suited to large industrial sites or historic buildings, they can also offer logistical advantages in the social housing sector. Simple and hassle-free installation can offer cost savings on redecoration, cabling and labour. It’s possible to be in and out of the property in minutes, minimising the upheaval for residents and offering long-term reassurance, while also limiting contact during the current pandemic.” All Hyfire products are developed by fire industry pioneers in Trieste Italy, the global centre for wireless fire device design. The Hyfire range includes all devices required to build a fully wireless commercial fire system, including manual call points, remote indicators, visual indicators, sounders, sounder bases and output/input modules. A range of addressable translators and expanders are available, processing up to 32 devices each, with the scale of the system limited only by the number of devices that the fire panel can handle. Hyfire has also recently introduced EvacWireless, a rapid and scalable solution to meeting the BS8629 evacuation alert standards in residential buildings over 18 metres. Sarah Leahy, Contracts Manager for Notting Hill Genesis, said: “In high-rise social housing blocks, with many residents shielding from COVID-19, the benefits of the wireless installation are clear. Our tenants want peace of mind, but many are elderly and they don’t like upheaval. Instead of creating cable channels in walls and ceilings, wireless installers need just a few minutes in each apartment to fix and test the Hyfire devices. The tenants are then reassured that they have long-term, sustainable fire protection, with none of the inconvenience that a wired system would have caused.” Hyfire was launched as Sterling Safety Systems in 2002, bringing to market some of the first commercial wireless detection and alarm devices fully certified to EN54. Since then, the Hyfire brand has become synonymous with quality, reliability and innovation in the commercial fire sector. Hyfire devices are available for Advanced or Kentec panels and come with a five-year warranty, backed up by a dedicated partner programme to ensure the best survey, installation, commissioning, after sales service and exceptional technical support.
Leading national scaffolding and access firm Lyndon SGB is proud to be supplying complex access solutions on one of the most prestigious and largest scaffolding projects in the country – the £330 million ‘Our Town Hall’ renovation of the iconic Manchester Town Hall. The vast refurbishment of the Grade 1-listed Victorian gothic revival landmark built in 1877 aims to restore the building to its former glory and involves extensive repair work internally and externally, by main contractor Lend Lease. Lyndon SGB is the chosen scaffolding and access contractor, providing millions of pounds of in-house designed scaffolding and access solutions across the project, including large independent scaffolds, crash decks, a bespoke 90m clock tower scaffold, 34 chimney stacks/saddles and 8,000m2 of temporary roofing weather protection across the site. More than 50 Lyndon SGB scaffolding operatives will be working on the UK’s largest commercial scaffolding project – currently under strict COVID-19 secure protocols during lockdown. In addition, as part of the KPI (Key Performance Indicators) for the scaffolding program, a dozen apprenticeships will be launched on the project over the four-year contract. There are already seven apprentices in the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme and in-house training schemes, with three already operational on site and a further four working in the new Lyndon SGB single scaffolding depot in Manchester. All are employed full-time and working hard in their training, while preparing for college sessions run by learning provider The Growth Company. Lucas Findlay, 17, from Blackley, said: “Being an apprentice provides the skills and support in order to provide myself with a stable career in scaffolding. I have started at the bottom and the progression I can see ahead of me seems limitless. The opportunity to learn on the job on such a high-profile project shows the quality of training and trust we are given. I didn’t realise the extent of the challenges of building the scaffolding around such a building, until I saw it for myself and I am pleased to be a part of it.” Mark Davies, 24, from Collyhurst, said: “Working on the Our Town Hall project is an amazing learning experience, with the opportunity to get up close and personal to one of the oldest buildings in the city. I have walked past this building so many times over my lifetime without appreciating the details, including what it is like inside. From working in the Great Hall, checking out the views over the city and admiring all the statues, the whole project leaves you in awe.” Councillor Nigel Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Creating opportunities for local young people to build firm foundations for future professional careers across a range of trades is a key goal of the Our Town Hall project and will be an important part of its legacy for the city. “This is a building which has served Manchester for more than 140 years and through this once-in-a-lifetime scheme, it will continue to play an integral role at the heart of our civic life for generations to come.” Lyndon SGB Managing Director, Stuart Robinson said: “We are incredibly proud to have secured the scaffolding and access provision on this incredibly important national building renovation. Few firms in the UK could have been selected for such an enormous, complex and highly skilled project.” Kevin Fitzpatrick, Lyndon SGB Operations Director, said “The newly-operational single scaffolding depot at Manchester is perfectly placed to provide a slick, safe and efficient service on this enormous and iconic project.” Lyndon SGB North West Regional Manager, Jon Cooke, added: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to demonstrate our unique and unrivalled skills, we deliver projects like Our Town Hall because we have the ability to deliver on programme and on budget.” Lendlease Group’s David Cadiot said: “Our Town Hall is in the top 2% of important historical structures in the UK, we need and must have a supply chain that can deliver, that is why we chose Lyndon SGB.”