GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces the acquisition of an 8-acre site in Crawley and plans to develop 159,000 SQ FT of mid-box warehouse space. The mid-box development will support GLP’s customers’ increasing requirements for last-mile logistics solutions, particularly in the South
Following a successful year and partnerships with companies such as HBXL, Trade Direct Insurance and BuildSafe Escrow Services – NABC – one of the UK’s fastest growing construction trade associations unveils its ambitious growth plans and recruitment drive for 2021, as it heads towards new milestone. James Hopkins, CEO, NABC, comments: “The
DERBYSHIRE roofing firm Permaroof has taken unprecedented steps to protect its workforce by investing £2,000 in coronavirus safety equipment. Permaroof has installed three Radikal Health systems – which purify and eliminate viruses and bacteria from the air – at its head office in Alfreton and will also carry out twice
SPORTS and leisure specialist GT3 Architects has been named as the architect for a new multi-million-pound leisure centre scheme for Hartlepool Borough Council. The Newcastle and Nottingham-based practice was selected to deliver the design for the new facility, which will be situated by the town’s marina and form a key
Specialist security provider VPS has appointed Andy Brind as Business Development Director for its growing Construction Site-Security operations. In January, a criminal gang was brought to justice in a Belgian court over a million-euro series of crane, excavator and trailer thefts. The haul, including a £480,000 cement pumping truck, a
Leading research materials supplier, Goodfellow, has announced it is a member of the UK-China Joint Working Group on the Graphene standardisation. The BSI Graphene Program, launched in 2017, aims to “conduct research into how standards can help support UK innovators accelerate the rate of commercialization of graphene applications”. Goodfellow’s involvement
The UK construction industry has hit the ground running at the beginning of the New Year. And while it failed to replicate the anomalous highs of December 2020, the latest set of monthly figures researched by Builders’ Conference & highlighted on BCLive table speak to a sector enjoying a period
Leeds-based property investor and car park operator, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has secured its first new letting following the completion of a significant £2m refurbishment project at the iconic Ducie House in Manchester’s Piccadilly Basin. Textile company NB Avenue Limited, who supply and manufacture clothing to online retailers internationally,
Modular Group Investments has completed the acquisition of Euramax Solutions Limited, a manufacturer of fenestration products to the construction, modular and leisure markets. Michael Garratt, the founder and CEO of MGI said, “we invest in a range of sub-sectors across the MMC markets including component manufacturing and supply chain operators. MGI’s involvement with
Despite the uncertainty that many businesses have had to face since the emergence of Covid-19, specialist off-site building solutions provider, Bedfordshire-based Excel Structures, is optimistic that 2021 will be a year of opportunity. As Managing Director, Jason Pritchard comments: “Whilst 2020 had its challenges, from our own perspective MMC (Modern
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces the acquisition of an 8-acre site in Crawley and plans to develop 159,000 SQ FT of mid-box warehouse space. The mid-box development will support GLP’s customers’ increasing requirements for last-mile logistics solutions, particularly in the South East. The growth of the mid-box market in the UK reflects the increasing need for smaller warehousing with proximity to key urban centres. The development will span three units comprising 87,000 SQ FT, 46,000 SQ FT and 26,000 SQ FT. GLP will commence development of all three units in November 2021, once planning permission is received, with construction expected to complete in July 2022. The site is located on Manor Royal, the premier industrial and business district in the South East. It is strategically located 1.5 miles from Junction 10 of the M23 motorway, 2 miles from London Gatwick Airport, and 10 miles from the M25 motorway. The sites proximity to London and position in the South-East makes it ideal for a range of logistics uses, including last-mile logistics. Adrienne Howells, Development Director, GLP, said: “The growth of ecommerce has fundamentally altered and expanded our customers’ distribution requirements. This acquisition and development will allow us to offer a different type of space to both existing and potential customers. We will continue to selectively target acquisitions of prime mid-box opportunities to meet this growing demand in addition to our extensive development pipeline of over 1 million sq ft of space currently underway in the UK.”
Following a successful year and partnerships with companies such as HBXL, Trade Direct Insurance and BuildSafe Escrow Services – NABC – one of the UK’s fastest growing construction trade associations unveils its ambitious growth plans and recruitment drive for 2021, as it heads towards new milestone. James Hopkins, CEO, NABC, comments: “The demand for our service is increasing rapidly, especially post Brexit and the residential construction industry is under extreme pressure to reduce the number of rogue builders. “We have recently had a growing number of calls for us to help create a clear and transparent payment solution for both home owners and tradesmen across the UK, so we have launched our new BuildSafe platform for both consumers and contractors which ensures that the project is securely funded from start to finish. “The aim of the new platform is to ensure that the funds are held safely until the set-out completion of each stage. Payments to contractors or sub-contractors may be issued upon bench marks (draw basis) or in full (project basis). “BuildSafe will raise the level of trust and security for everyone involved in a construction project. Owners can be assured that payments will be held securely and properly disbursed, and contractors can be assured that their projects are funded and that they will be paid in a timely manner. “The BuildSafe agreement is designed to supplement a standard construction contract for the utmost in security with funds held by an FCA approved partner. “It’s almost a daily occurrence to hear of another bricks and mortar business entering administration or in trouble. Our new Buildsafe technology will give these bricks and mortar companies the safe technology they need to level the playing field and financially stay afloat. “Our ambition is to be the first trade association to roll out a construction industry-based escrow platform across the UK which will give us the ability to create a war for acquisitions to enable insane growth.” The plan to achieve this will see National Association of Building Contractors create 15 new jobs in 2021 in South Devon. Most of these positions will be technology and sales roles. James adds: “Over the last few years, we’ve learned a huge amount and we have grown from our experiences to get to a position where we really understand what our customers want and needs from us. “Part of the transition was bringing in an experienced leadership team with an operational leader and product officer to ensure we create the best possible working environment that we can be proud of.” BuildSafe’s new insights engine also aims help building contractors become better at what they do. This shift in mindset is creating an environment where people can learn, develop and progress using the latest technology and solve complex problems whilst augmenting a customer success platform. To find out more visit: https://www.nabc.org.uk/ For further information on opportunities at NABC, ambitious individuals are invited to send their CVs to laura@nabc.org.uk Media contact Sarah Watson Email: info@nabc.org.uk
DERBYSHIRE roofing firm Permaroof has taken unprecedented steps to protect its workforce by investing £2,000 in coronavirus safety equipment. Permaroof has installed three Radikal Health systems – which purify and eliminate viruses and bacteria from the air – at its head office in Alfreton and will also carry out twice weekly Covid lateral flow testing for its 17 office-based employees. The team includes both office and warehouse-based staff, ranging in roles from marketing and sales to warehouse operatives and delivery drivers. Adrian Buttress, managing director of Permaroof and the wider PermaGroup, said: “Throughout the entire pandemic, the safety and wellbeing of every single member of our team has been of paramount importance. “For those employees who are unable to work from home, we have implemented a strict set of Covid-19 measures, including restricting access to our headquarters to staff members only, regular temperature checks, and daily cleansing of all surfaces and door handles. “This month, we also installed one Radikal Health anti-viral air and surface sanitising machine in our main sales rooms, which covers our staff on reception and those in customer services, and another in the accounts office. The third captures all of the air in corridors and remaining side offices. “We want to eradicate as much risk as possible, which is why we have invested in the air purifying machines and regular testing, as well as placed a huge emphasis on creating a Covid-secure environment. “Not only are we committed to keeping our staff and their families safe, some of whom are very vulnerable to the virus, we also want to protect the business as, if a breakout occurred at our head office, we would have to temporarily close, which would cost the business six-figure sums.” In 2020, Permaroof celebrated its most successful year in its two-decade history after maximising the lockdown effect on the DIY market and quickly diversifying in the face of the pandemic. The firm added products to its portfolio, including a disinfectant spray to help customers work safely. At the same time, it worked closely with modular companies for the first time, which included supplying fast flat roofing solutions to four emergency NHS projects during the first month of lockdown. Simultaneously, the business recruited a new marketing co-ordinator to push out a formal communications strategy and partnered with a mindset and coaching programme for the sales team, which has helped them adapt and understand customers’ challenges and provide bespoke solutions. Adrian attributes the success of the past year to a fast response to Covid-19, investment in an already solid team and diversification into new services and products. He said: “We had to rewrite our business plans, raise funds for the unknown and rework all our numbers while adapting the business to ensure it was Covid-secure for the Permaroof team and its customers.” Permaroof offers products and services that provide “permanent solutions to age-old problems”. It offers this through a variety of products – its central offering of Firestone RubberCover EPDM roofing – as well as artificial grass through its PermaLawn brand and maintenance-free fencing via PermaFence. This is in addition to PermaTile promenade tiles, rooflights through The Skylight Company and, most recently, steel framed buildings. For more information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk or call 01773 608839.
SPORTS and leisure specialist GT3 Architects has been named as the architect for a new multi-million-pound leisure centre scheme for Hartlepool Borough Council. The Newcastle and Nottingham-based practice was selected to deliver the design for the new facility, which will be situated by the town’s marina and form a key part of The Waterfront regeneration. The new site – which will replace the town’s existing Mill House Leisure Centre – is set to feature a range of facilities, including three swimming pools – a main, a learner and a recreation pool – a multi-station fitness suite, a flexible space for multi-activities and a refreshments area. As part of the project, GT3 Architects will be undertaking extensive stakeholder and public engagement exercises to help inform their plans and create a design that fully serves the local community. Simon Dunstan, director at GT3 Architects, said: “We’re delighted to be involved. As a local practice it’s great to see the amount of regeneration work and funding happening in the North East – and in Hartlepool particularly. “The Waterfront has been such an exciting project to be involved in over the last few years and we’re excited to take it to the next stage with the introduction of the new leisure centre. This ambitious project will create an exciting new leisure and community destination for the region and support the ongoing regeneration of the town. “We want the new leisure centre to go beyond the standard gym, studio classes and fitness facilities. Our ambition is to create a unique waterfront destination, designed for the people of Hartlepool, with a real focus on health, wellbeing, and inclusivity. The marina setting offers plenty of scope for outdoor fitness, as well as a spectacular backdrop to any indoor activities, so there are lots of opportunities for our design team to work with and be inspired by. “Our engagement work will start early this year, and we’re looking forward to speaking to the local community about their thoughts on the design and identity of the new leisure centre.” This latest project win is the latest of several similar schemes for the practice in the region, including The Sands in nearby Carlisle, and a £21 million leisure centre in Morpeth.” Councillor Shane Moore, the Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The appointment of a company of the calibre of GT3 Architects to design the new leisure centre is fantastic news. “We look forward to working closely with them to create a state-of-the-art facility that meets the needs and aspirations of local people.” GT3 Architects will be working with Hartlepool Borough Council, Desco, BGP, Summers Inman, Design Fire Consultants and Apex Acoustics to deliver the project. The appointment of GT3 Architects follows national recognition for phase 1 of The Waterfront development, which was recently named as runner-up in the Pedestrian Environment category at the 2020 LocalGov Street Design Awards for the quality of the public walkways created on the site. For further information visit www.gt3architects.com or join the conversation over on Twitter @_GT3Architects
Specialist security provider VPS has appointed Andy Brind as Business Development Director for its growing Construction Site-Security operations. In January, a criminal gang was brought to justice in a Belgian court over a million-euro series of crane, excavator and trailer thefts. The haul, including a £480,000 cement pumping truck, a £108,000 bulk tanker, and £50,000 worth of trailers, were stolen then resprayed, and sold to unsuspecting customers across the UK and Ireland. Bringing with him 20 years of experience in the construction sector, having worked for multinational Algeco Group , Mr. Brind aims to highlight the extra benefits beyond the protection of plant by deploying leading-edge technology for building site security: “In these exceptional times, the construction sector is under greater pressure than ever before. As Brexit and the Covid-19 lockdowns cause supply shortages and operational delays, they are struggling to square the circle of delivering projects whilst cutting costs, and doing so all the time within a Covid-secure environment.” Andy explains: “For example, there’s been a lot of media coverage recently about the pandemic dangers of London tubes filled with construction workers going to work. Some of these journeys could be reduced by deploying modern methods of construction, using technologies designed specifically for the sector. CCTV Smart Towers, for example, could replace traditional security guards, of which there must be thousands in London alone. The 24/7 cameras and sensors are monitored off-site and run independently, often without an external power supply. They could help alleviate the need for so many workers to travel on the tube, plus they can save thousands of pounds in security budgets.” VPS Site Security had seen a dramatic switch from human patrols to more guardless systems in the twelve months prior to the pandemic, but the trend is likely to keep rising. Recent projects have seen savings of over 60% in security budgets, providing an improved, more comprehensive security net overseeing sites 24 hours a day but at low cost. They are working strategically to increase their construction partnerships with some of the key players in the market, and launching additional partnerships shortly. Their current customer base includes household names in the construction sector, deploying CCTV systems to improve their site security. VPS itself has been supporting the security and protection of several Highways of England Schemes and also the massive CrossRail construction project at Paddington Station, comprising five storeys, mostly underground, with 83 HD CCTV cameras, smart analytics ‘virtual’ tripwires, and onsite monitoring. “Manned guards have always been the traditional mainstay approach in the building sector to secure difficult or remote sites such as highway construction, and they will always be needed in certain circumstances.” Andy says ”But technological solutions have really proven themselves in recent years. So much so that, combined with truly dramatic cost-savings and better 24⁄7 protection and safety, we’ve seen a definite shift towards systems designed with CCTV included as the preferred choice.” Mobile patrols may still be required, but they are seen now as much more efficient when deployed with the support of Tower systems, as they can help target problems.
Leading research materials supplier, Goodfellow, has announced it is a member of the UK-China Joint Working Group on the Graphene standardisation. The BSI Graphene Program, launched in 2017, aims to “conduct research into how standards can help support UK innovators accelerate the rate of commercialization of graphene applications”. Goodfellow’s involvement not only underpins the quality and high standards of its own Graphene, but also shows its commitment to facilitating innovation for science and industry. Joel Aleixo, Global Marketing Manager at Goodfellow, commented: “Standardisation and guidelines of any material used in research and development can only fuel growth and use, and ultimately, innovation – which is a big part of what we support here at Goodfellow. “We’re happy for our own materials to be held up to these standards, as it helps us ensure we’re providing the best quality, and helps our customers trust they’re getting the best of the best.” To learn more about Goodfellow, visit www.goodfellow.com
The UK construction industry has hit the ground running at the beginning of the New Year. And while it failed to replicate the anomalous highs of December 2020, the latest set of monthly figures researched by Builders’ Conference & highlighted on BCLive table speak to a sector enjoying a period of prolonged positivity. Builders’ Conference CEO Neil Edwards looks over some pleasing figures. Huge tranches of HS2-related construction contracts – sadly – do not come along every month. So anyone expecting a repeat of the £12 billion plus in new contract awards recorded in December 2020 was always going to be disappointed. But with £6.2 billion in new contract awards in the first month of the New Year, the sector has blasted past the established £4.0 billion monthly benchmark to get 2021 off to a flying and reassuringly positive start. The largest single contract researched by Builders’ Conference for the month was a £940 million award that propelled Hill Partnership to the number one position on the BCLive league table. Let by client Poplar HARCA, the contract is for the creation of as many as 2,500 dwellings as part of the regeneration of the Teviot Estate in Poplar, East London. In second place for the month was Morgan Sindall, which collected an impressive 23 new contract awards worth a combined £507 million. The largest of these is a £312 million refurbishment and repair contract that is part of Highways England’s Collaborative Delivery Framework. The project will see the M40 and M42 motorways between M42 Junctions three and four and M40 Junction 16 upgraded to smart motorway status. That twenty three contract haul temporarily wrested the crown for the most awards in the month from long-term holder, Kier Group. However, Kier Group still claimed the number three position with 18 new awards valued at a combined £311 million. A key contributor to that total is a £200 million contract with Transport for London that will see significant improvements on some of the capital’s most infamous traffic black-spots including the Blackwall Tunnel, Rotherhithe Tunnel, and the A40 at Hangar Lane. Extending over a period of eight years, the contract will include safety inspections, cleaning and the installation of intelligent transport systems. With housing continuing to dominate the UK construction industry, Redrow Homes once again enjoyed a lofty position on the BCLive league table. The housing specialist started eight new contract awards during the month worth a combined £274 million, the largest of which is a £60 million contract for the creation of new three, four and five bedroom dwellings at Brizen View in Cheltenham. In a month in which road projects also enjoyed a welcome resurgence, Costain took the number five position on the BCLive league table with a single £250 million project for Highways England. That project is an improvement and widening scheme for a 6.5 kilometre stretch of the A1 from Birtley to Coal House that will provide dual three lanes and the replacement of the Allerdene Bridge. This project will be of key interest to equipment manufacturer Komatsu UK that builds its excavators at a factory in Birtley. Although that project will provide a welcome shot in the arm for the North East region, it was London and the Midlands that had most to celebrate in January 2021. With more than 100 new contract awards, London provided £1.87 billion in new contract awards while the combined East and West Midlands served up another £996 million. The North West region contributed a further £726 million while Scotland continues to play catch-up with a lowly £152 million. As has become the norm, housing dominated in the sector countdown, with 188 new contract awards valued at a combined £2.89 billion. But a marked uptick on roads (£962 million) and education (£823 million) point to a loosening of the government purse strings that will only add to the positivity of another impressive month. There is, of course, a very real possibility that the industry picture could change dramatically when the government’s furlough scheme comes to an end in March. But for now, there is much to celebrate as the UK construction sector continues to march ahead. Quick review of BCLive table for January 2021 310 no companies were detailed as winning new contracts during January 2021 551 no new construction orders were researched by Builders’ Conference all detailed on the UK’s only Live league table of construction contract awards BCLive Hill Partnerships secured overall top spot with a single contract worth £940 million Morgan Sindall Group secured most number of new construction orders in the month with 23no totaling £507.8 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. Go to www.buildersconference.co.uk/how-it-works for more information. We are a not for profit organisation who are dedicated to maintain our high level of services for as long as possible with the financial support of our membership. We firmly believe because it is the UK construction industries own information which we analyse no one should be paying vast sums to read it! Proud to have been bringing validated UK construction information since 1935.
Leeds-based property investor and car park operator, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has secured its first new letting following the completion of a significant £2m refurbishment project at the iconic Ducie House in Manchester’s Piccadilly Basin. Textile company NB Avenue Limited, who supply and manufacture clothing to online retailers internationally, has leased the 2,692 sq ft Duplex 5 unit in the 33,000 sq ft Ducie House office conversion, which is now home to circa 20 tenants from various sectors including technology, marketing and fashion. Originally a petticoat factory, Ducie House has continually evolved with famous Manchester bands including Simply Red, 808 State, as well as ANS, Ask Developments and Ear to the Ground making appearances in the venue over the past 20 years. The recent refurbishment of its flexible office space has now created a new contemporary reception entrance; cycle storage; formal meeting rooms and booths; balcony break out areas; shower facilities and outdoor amenity space to meet the needs of modern businesses. The extensive renovation also includes the reconfiguration of suites on the first, second and third floors now offers potential occupiers individual units from 147 sq. ft to over 3,600 sq. ft. There is also the option to combine spaces to deliver over 11,700 sq. ft to suit the needs of larger businesses whilst also supporting organic growth of tenants within the Ducie House community. Nikita Banga, owner of NB Avenue said, “We are so excited to be moving into the new look Ducie House which is a great reflection of the culture and feel of our business. Being so close to the Northern Quarter, with all my favourite bars and restaurants within walking distance, is a huge bonus. The whole team can’t wait and it’s really helped boost morale which is currently so important following a challenging year working through a pandemic. It’s great to have our own private space as well as communal areas to access as part of the wider Ducie community and I feel our new home will further support the continuing growth of our business”. Chris Collins, Associate Director, Town Centre Securities (PLC) commented: “Ducie House is a well-loved office location in Manchester and the completion of the refurbishment works has ensured that existing and new tenants have the very best facilities within a unique character space. The reconfigured office suites make excellent use of the space, enabling us to be completely flexible for company’s looking to bring their business to this fantastic location and offer them the option to organically grow within the building in line with their requirements. “It is apt to be welcoming a textile company to this former petticoat factory and we look forward to welcoming additional tenants to our eclectic mix in the coming months.”
Modular Group Investments has completed the acquisition of Euramax Solutions Limited, a manufacturer of fenestration products to the construction, modular and leisure markets. Michael Garratt, the founder and CEO of MGI said, “we invest in a range of sub-sectors across the MMC markets including component manufacturing and supply chain operators. MGI’s involvement with Euramax will allow it to expand and develop the product portfolio to better serve our customer needs. We are delighted to be working with the Euramax team, which will remain unchanged, and look forward to an exciting period of development together”. Chris Butters, MGI Chairman stated “as a British company we are strategically focused on UK construction markets and specifically on the changing needs required by the expansion of the MMC sector. We look forward to working with our various stakeholders and our new colleagues in the large Barnsley facility. We are highly committed to quality, reliability and innovation which are attitudes already embedded in the ethos at Euramax so we are enthusiastic about future opportunities, despite the present Covid challenges”. Nick Cowley, Managing Director of Euramax said, “today’s announcement commences an exciting new chapter for Euramax. Together with MGI, we look forward to continuing our growth plans, developing new products and building strong partnerships with our customers”. The acquisition was supported by Hempsons providing legal advice, financing guidance by TML Finance and Advisory, Arc Pensions Law for specialist legal pensions advice and TC Group for tax and accounting advice. For more information, visit Modular Group Investments https://www.mginvestment.co.uk/ or Euramax Solutions https://www.euramaxuk.com/
Despite the uncertainty that many businesses have had to face since the emergence of Covid-19, specialist off-site building solutions provider, Bedfordshire-based Excel Structures, is optimistic that 2021 will be a year of opportunity. As Managing Director, Jason Pritchard comments: “Whilst 2020 had its challenges, from our own perspective MMC (Modern Methods of Construction), also referred to as offsite construction, gained increased momentum. Indeed given that the Covid pandemic has seen all businesses re-appraise how they do things, being able to build in a far more sustainable and environment friendly manner is generating increased interest. “Many builders, developers and self-builders are re-appraising the build methodologies available to them, so this presents us with an opportunity to really drive home the significance of delivering projects that are highly-energy efficient, sustainable and environment friendly,” adds Jason. Just words some might say, but the projects that Excel Structures completed in the Covid period speak for themselves. “Within the last twelve months we have completed projects that utilise all of the off-site building solutions that we are unique in being able to offer – SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels), Light Gauge Steel Frame, CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) and timber frame. And 2021 could paint the same picture. At the present time we are working on self-build projects, apartment developments and multiple housing schemes,” states Jason. In equal demand is the wide range of world class and high performance windows and doors that specialist division, Excel Façades, has to offer. All products deliver world-class performance when it comes to thermal and acoustic characteristics, and exceptional security protection, plus they are available as part of a structural solution or as a complete standalone offering. So what is Excel Structures USP? As Jason interjects: “Largely it rests with the fact that it can offer clients access to a range of off-site solutions – residential and non-residential – all of which are fully bespoke and tailored to individual customer requirements in terms of architectural design intent, budget and environmental impact. This has been achieved by establishing proven, sustainable, and scalable relationships with our specialist supply chain partners.” Excel Structures works closely with clients to ensure that the system most suited to a project is adopted. Components are then designed and manufactured under strict factory controlled parameters and delivered to site to create airtight and well insulated buildings. As Jason concludes: “Despite the existence of Covid, we have been fortunate in being able to turn adversity into opportunity. It is against this backdrop that we intend to ensure that Excel Structures remains committed to delivering the most suitable low carbon, offsite construction solution on every project.”