More innovative installation solutions are required if the UK is to fully capitalise on the economic benefits of fibre optic connections highlighted in a recent independent review of the Government’s Superfast Broadband Programme. The recent Ipsos MORI report found that homes connected to superfast broadband saw their value rise by
Specialist AEI Cables has sent out a message to the supply chain highlighting the need to use only approved cabling in critical signal and control equipment following the announcement of a revised version of the Code of Practice covering these areas of performance. In an open letter to many customers,
Businesses can stay open with peace of mind about the safety and security of customers and employees, after G4S launched an autonomous shortwave ultraviolet light robot that destroys up to 99.99 percent of bacteria and viruses. G4S, in partnership with Netherlands-based tech firm Loop Robots, has introduced a security solution
New football sponsorship arrangement the latest community initiative to be implemented and follows similar recent tie-up with British Basketball Team Leicester Riders. Glencar, an expanding construction company specialising in the industrial, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, life science and pharmaceutical sectors has today announced a new community partnership with Championship football club
Property investment platform Brickowner has launched a secondary market for its property investments, allowing investors to buy and sell shares online. The marketplace will allow Brickowner investors to list shares in investments funded on the Brickowner platform for sale before the end of the investment term so that other
What is a rental application? It is a type of application that is written by the people who want to rent a property. The recipient of these applications is usually landlords. For a landlord, it is not easy to decide who should be chosen as a tenant. Therefore, the rental
Goodman has broken ground on 250,000 sq ft of prime distribution and logistics space at Bedford Commercial Park. Work commences on a further 250,000 sq ft of prime distribution and logistics space at Bedford Commercial Park Phase two of development follows leasing of 407,143 sq ft distribution warehouse and completion
An innovative modular North East housebuilder is expanding the business by recruiting a team of people with a diverse skillset. CoreHaus, which recently set up a manufacturing facility in a 20,000 sq ft unit on Jade Business Park, Murton, near Seaham in County Durham recently assembled its senior team and
HS2 today began the search for a specialist contractor to build the high speed rail project’s central control centre and maintenance depot, which will create around 500 long-term jobs in Birmingham’s Washwood Heath. The contract – worth an estimated £275m – will see the winning bidder work with HS2 Ltd
The UK’s leading student accommodation platform, UniHomes, has called on letting agents and landlords within the student rental sector to act with greater vigilance, as changes to the model tenancy agreement could lead to an increase in the number of students opting to have a pet while at university. Lockdown
More innovative installation solutions are required if the UK is to fully capitalise on the economic benefits of fibre optic connections highlighted in a recent independent review of the Government’s Superfast Broadband Programme. The recent Ipsos MORI report found that homes connected to superfast broadband saw their value rise by £3,500 since the programme’s 2012 introduction, with 17,600 jobs created in rollout areas and a £1.1 billion increase in Gross Value Added through workplace productivity. According to REHAU, these impressive findings demonstrate the pressing need to connect even more properties to fibre optic broadband, especially as the nation recovers from the economic impact of the pandemic. “The recent report into superfast broadband was welcome but unsurprising news, especially considering the potential of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology,” says Paul Churm, Fibre Optic Specialist at REHAU. “Fibre optic broadband’s benefits are already well-established, but what matters now is the speed at which a nationwide rollout can occur. “Indeed, it is in the statistics around this rollout that the most interesting reading can be found. Specifically, while the report showing that while 96 percent of UK homes can access superfast broadband, a previous Ofcom report calculated that 11 million compatible households are missing out on this potentially transformational technology. With the economic benefits of upgrading so clearly demonstrated in this report, it is vital ISPs look into solutions that could hasten the adoption of FTTH technology on the national level.” A traditional barrier to the quick implementation of fibre optic technology has been the logistical difficulties associated with blowing in cables from the exchange to the home. Two installers and access to the home has usually been required for this process, leading to logistical difficulties arranging installation appointment times with homeowners. It is with this in mind that REHAU has developed RAUSPEED EasyConnect, which can be externally installed at the end of a micro duct to allow one installer to quickly connect multiple homes all at once. “Fibre installation has previously been riven with inconveniences, from the need for two installers to the arranging of individual home visits for blowing in,” explains Paul. “But to maximise the benefits afforded by fibre optic broadband, this cable blowing-in process needs to be streamlined, so skilled personnel can be redeployed to more installations and bring this 11 million-figure down. ““We therefore need practical tools like EasyConnect to get more people connected to fibre broadband, which, as this report shows, will clearly be instrumental to the UK’s post-COVID economic recovery. In the medium-to-long term, a more extensive nation-wide fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure will also be key to the UK coping with surging data transfer levels incurred by new technologies and the likely post-pandemic trend towards working-from-home arrangements.” The EasyConnect is designed with a mechanism that slows down the cable as it enters the box, and a house connection micro duct that is automatically sealed and water and gas-tight up to 0.5 bars of pressure. Its sponge catcher and attached water tank collects and stores excess humidity and lubrication to ensure a contaminant-free blowing-in process. Splicing can be done at a later date as excess cable lengths are collected for ease. For more information on fibre broadband and REHAU’s new EasyConnect system, visit: https://www.rehau.com/uk-en/telecommunication
Specialist AEI Cables has sent out a message to the supply chain highlighting the need to use only approved cabling in critical signal and control equipment following the announcement of a revised version of the Code of Practice covering these areas of performance. In an open letter to many customers, industry bodies and organisations, the supplier is underlining how the systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – are so critical in assisting fire services in the case of firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. As the only supplier in the UK with independent approval from LPCB for BS8519 Category 3 Control fire performance cables with a fire survival time of up to 120 minutes, AEI Cables is warning of the dangers of using any other type of cable. Graham Turner of AEI Cables, said: “We feel strongly about this issue as a matter of safety and compliance. Using inferior types of cable for these applications is dangerous and posing a major risk. We’re getting a very positive response from customers who appreciate the information on an issue of such importance. “Some of these systems will simply not survive in a fire if a sub-standard cable is installed. Category 3 Control fire performance cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. “Indeed, these cables also help fire and rescue services fighting a fire and evacuating people so we shouldn’t underestimate their importance.” The standard clearly references and clarifies the products and levels of performance that should be used for all parts of the supply chain from specifiers to contractors and installers. The applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables also applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, care homes, shopping malls and stadia. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
Businesses can stay open with peace of mind about the safety and security of customers and employees, after G4S launched an autonomous shortwave ultraviolet light robot that destroys up to 99.99 percent of bacteria and viruses. G4S, in partnership with Netherlands-based tech firm Loop Robots, has introduced a security solution that prevents infection, keeps assets and people safe, and can be used to quickly and efficiently sanitise very large areas if a positive case of COVID-19 is detected. A specially-trained security professional and the SAM-UVC robot can surgically sanitise 4500 square metres within three hours without human labour – up to 20 times faster, and without harsh chemicals. The option of digital mapping a space allows for regular and autonomous cleaning, alongside physical security measures. The solution will be available from G4S from January throughout Europe. “This solution will protect the daily operations of our clients using powerful UV-C technology and highlights the value of an integrated security approach,” Marc Rensing, Business Development Manager at G4S Netherlands, said. “Integrated Security is about more than just keeping assets safe – though that is important. It’s about our combination of expertise, security professionals, technology and data analytics that meet the needs of our clients’ unique businesses and the specific risks they face. “That means protecting them from outbreaks and viruses that could harm employees or prompt temporary closures that damage productivity.” While COVID-19 particles have been shown to survive for up to 24 hours on cardboard and 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, UV-C light (254nm) is an effective way to kill all pathogens on a surface as it destroys the RNA of viruses and DNA of bacteria in seconds. “This integrated solution can be applied to the medical field – hospitals and laboratories, for example – as well as care homes and other places where surfaces need to be regularly disinfected,” Marc said. “But also retail spaces, food manufacturing locations, pharmacies – places where essential operations must continue. While the UV-C light application clearly works for COVID-19, it also kills other dangerous bacteria that can cause diseases.” The SAM-UVC robot generates a report as it scans and disinfects an area, providing important audit data so businesses can clearly demonstrate how their operations are safe, secure and sanitised. “Our mission at Loop Robots is to provide superhuman tools to empower our customers. Leveraging the SAM-UVC robot, G4S is able to provide a unique sanitising security service with truly groundbreaking efficiency compared to disinfection using hand wipes and chemicals,” Per Slycke, CEO at Loop Robots, said. “We are excited to see our robots made widely accessible as a service, creating tangible results and value for G4S and its customers.”
New football sponsorship arrangement the latest community initiative to be implemented and follows similar recent tie-up with British Basketball Team Leicester Riders. Glencar, an expanding construction company specialising in the industrial, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, life science and pharmaceutical sectors has today announced a new community partnership with Championship football club – Watford F.C by becoming a regional partner. As a Watford F.C Regional Partner, Glencar will see its branding displayed throughout the stadium during every home game boosting brand awareness and engaging with over 20,000 fans within the clubs fanbase and wider community. Glencar Managing Director Eddie McGillycuddy explained what appealed to Glencar about becoming a Watford FC Regional Partner: “The business, which was founded in 2016, enjoys strong foundations in Hertfordshire and affinity with Watford F.C with several of our colleagues having grown up in the town and with a direct association within the community. So we are therefore enormously proud to become a regional partner and build our association with the club and reach out to a broader community audience. It provides Glencar with an opportunity to invest in the communities in which we operate as part of our efforts to conduct our business in a socially conscious way that goes towards our approach to delivering positive economic, environmental outcomes for our business, our stakeholders and the world more broadly. Brand exposure is vital to our business and becoming a partner offers a fantastic opportunity to get our name into the community. When you are connected to a club so grounded in the community, that reputation spreads. For us being connected to Watford FC enhances our reputation and give us a level of trust. As a Watford Regional Partner, Glencar will see their branding appear on crowd-facing LED boards at the clubs stadium Vicarage Road, displayed on StadiumTV and StatTV within the concourses. The business also features on StatTracker social media content, which is shared to the club’s official channels, reaching a global audience. Additionally, Glencar will connect with local businesses through exclusive Regional Partner events, which have included Q&A evenings with former Watford players, such as John McClelland. Also commenting, Ricky Levenston, Glencar Chief Information Officer explained why the partnership is a fitting one for Glencar: “It’s been great to follow Watford F.C’s achievements over the past few years and we feel the club is an organisation whose core values align closely with our own” he said. “The regional partnership supports our community engagement plan and will be one that’s close to the hearts of many Glencar colleagues.”. For further information about the announcement visit: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/watford-fc-business-club/
Property investment platform Brickowner has launched a secondary market for its property investments, allowing investors to buy and sell shares online. The marketplace will allow Brickowner investors to list shares in investments funded on the Brickowner platform for sale before the end of the investment term so that other Brickowner users can buy them. While the secondary market will initially feature only shares in investments funded on the Brickowner platform, the firm aims to make the marketplace available to boutique property fund and asset managers as a way of providing liquidity for their own investments. Fred Bristol, Brickowner’s co-founder and CEO, said: “Brickowner is proud and excited to be launching its pioneering secondary market, offering investors the opportunity to buy and sell their property investments online. “Asset managers and developers are often only able to offer investments for fixed terms, with no possibility of redemption until the term ends. Brickowner changes this, making it possible for their investments to have the opportunity for liquidity. We see this as a great partnership opportunity for many managers and are already speaking to a number of funds, asset managers and developers about its exciting potential.” “The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online technologies in all sorts of fields, not least investing,” Bristol continued. “The ability to trade property investments simply and affordably on your phone or laptop is an example of how our industry is adapting to the seismic changes we are all seeing. We believe our secondary market puts Brickowner at the forefront of that innovation.” Visit www.brickowner.com.
What is a rental application? It is a type of application that is written by the people who want to rent a property. The recipient of these applications is usually landlords. For a landlord, it is not easy to decide who should be chosen as a tenant. Therefore, the rental application is written for making it easy for them to take this decision. Writing a rental application: There are different ways in which a rental application is written. The format and the details to be added vary from state to state. However, every tenant is required to provide information such as rental history, personal information of the potential tenant, and much more. The tenant should try to be accurate and concise at the same time Guidelines for writing the rental application: Collect all relevant documents: Before you apply, one should be prepared for it. Paperwork is important for every legal process. You can never get away with the process of submitting the supporting documentation along with your application. The documents attached with the application act as proof that whatever information has been provided can be verified from the documents attached with the application Fill the application form: Many landlords provide a form for application. In case you want to apply, you don’t have to be different and start using a different way to apply. Fill the form and then if you feel you could not explain several things, go for the written application. Design a cover letter: A cover letter for the rental application can play a major role in making this application a successful piece of writing. The cover letter is used to make an impression on the reader. Additionally, it also makes the reader know some very basic things about the application it covers. The design of the cover letter should be attractive which can compel the reader to read the entire application. Dull and boring applications are usually discarded Create an outline: There is no such application that can be written effectively without outlining. Many people think that outlining wastes time and is not necessary. However, this is not the case. Before you start writing the rental application, you should be aware of the period of the tenancy. Furthermore, the specifications of the property should also be known so that you can determine whether you need to rent that property or not. Making a rough draft of the application turns out to be a turning point and you end up deciding something completely different. Don’t add ambiguous details: Sometimes in confusion, people add ambiguous details. This often gives the impression that you are trying to tell a lie in the application. Therefore, you should be clear about what you want to say in the application and then start writing to eliminate the chances of adding ambiguous details to the letter.
Goodman has broken ground on 250,000 sq ft of prime distribution and logistics space at Bedford Commercial Park. Work commences on a further 250,000 sq ft of prime distribution and logistics space at Bedford Commercial Park Phase two of development follows leasing of 407,143 sq ft distribution warehouse and completion of i-Worx innovation units Strategic location at heart of Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor to provide customers with access to 32 million consumers within a two-hour drivetime* The high-specification units consisting of 130,000 sq ft, 50,000 sq ft, 40,000 sq ft and 30,000 sq ft respectively, will see Goodman deliver prime industrial and warehousing space available for occupation from Autumn 2021. Adjacent to the A421 – just seven miles from the M1 and 12 miles from the A1 Black Cat Roundabout – the mixed-use development boasts excellent connectivity and access to a population of 15,400 seeking work within a 30-mile catchment area.* Work on the latest units follows Goodman’s completion and leasing of Bedford 405, a 407,143 sq ft cross-docked warehouse at Bedford Commercial Park. Delivered as a joint venture with Bedford Borough Council, the wider development includes bespoke design and build opportunities and 12 advanced technology and engineering units, forming part of the Council’s i-Brand initiative. Nigel Dolan, Development Director at Goodman, said: “We’re pleased to begin work on the next phase of development at Bedford Commercial Park. These latest units form part of our ongoing commitment to invest in high-specification, efficient and sustainable spaces in strategically-placed locations, providing customers with access to a large consumer-base and potential workforce. “Combining quality and location, customers will be able to strengthen their presence at the heart of the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor and benefit from close proximity to London, Cambridge and Milton Keynes, as well as links to key roads, airports and ports.” Located within a landscaped park environment complete with cycle links, extensive woodland planting and a community orchard, Bedford 130, 50, 40 and 30 reflect Goodman’s focus on sustainability, energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The buildings will feature solar photovoltaic technology, electric car charging points, smart metering and a carbon neutral cladding system – all designed to a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ‘Excellent’ standard. Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough Council, added: “Goodman’s ongoing commitment to Bedford Commercial Park, and delivering quality space for businesses to thrive, is testament to the confidence they – and their customers – have in the area. The fact that through this next phase of development, Goodman will deliver a mix of units while all being built to its well-known high standards, will help to attract a range of customers from industries such as logistics, engineering, aviation and manufacturing. “Bedford Borough Council has proactively brought its land interest forward, in conjunction with developer partners, to deliver high quality commercial space which has successfully attracted business inward investment and created new job opportunities for local people. “We look forward to seeing Goodman’s latest investment support the continued growth of the Borough as more look to benefit from its strategic location, offering new opportunities to people in the area.” The contractor delivering this latest phase for Goodman at Bedford Commercial Park is Readie Construction. Agents marketing the scheme are JLL and Adroit Real Estate Advisors. For further information and to enquire about the Phase 2 opportunities, please visit the property page for more details.
An innovative modular North East housebuilder is expanding the business by recruiting a team of people with a diverse skillset. CoreHaus, which recently set up a manufacturing facility in a 20,000 sq ft unit on Jade Business Park, Murton, near Seaham in County Durham recently assembled its senior team and is now steadily recruiting the workforce. But the team are not only the usual workforce with brickies and skills that many housebuilders turn to – rather, they often have technical and engineering backgrounds too. Joining the management team are Robin Gill as technical manager, along with Dan Selby, as production manager. Robin has operated as a principle engineer with more than 42 years’ experience in multiple sectors ranging from power generation to high-performance aerospace manufacturing and process development. Dan Selby is a senior operations manager with a strong technical background in construction. He has around 17 years’ experience in modern methods of construction. Scott Bibby, MD of CoreHaus, said: “Both Robin and Dan bring a wealth of different experience to their roles. Dan’s background is more directly related to the modular construction environment whereas Robin brings a technical engineering, product quality and process control to the team. “We’re doing something different in the modular housebuilding sector and need people who think and work differently. Our production and designs draw on modern, technical skills and innovation. We have a real opportunity to break the current mould, bring about change in housebuilding and construction.” Due to the nature of its steel-frame build, CoreHaus will adopt a different production methodology to most housebuilding. Technicians will be needed in the new factory who have engineering qualifications and are agile at problem solving in a technical environment. Scott added: “We are recruiting people from different industries to create a diverse workforce with a growth mindset. We need engineering skills and construction experience combined with a creative way of thinking.” This philosophy has been applied to the recruitment of the first five technicians – Chris Archer, Adam Willis, Kenny Walker, Peter Rowe and Paul Seager. For instance, Paul Seager joins CoreHaus as a fully qualified domestic gas and plumbing engineer having also worked in the rail manufacturing industry. Peter Rowe has a varied background predominantly within high level engineering companies such as Maclaren Racing and Hitachi. Kenny has construction experience combined with military aviation and manufacturing. Adam joins fresh from a lightweight steel manufacturer with experience in timber-frame modular construction too. Chris brings a wealth of experience from a variety of roles within construction and engineering. Scott is liaising with Derwentside College to discuss the kind of multi-skilled young people he would like to recruit, train, and develop going forwards. “We’re looking for a new breed of technicians as well as apprentices with a different mindset. We want people to love the job, to really want to come to work and get a buzz from the work they will be doing,” he explained. CoreHaus is a joint-venture company between Carlton & Co Group, the parent company behind North East based Homes by Carlton, and national social enterprise Fusion21, specialists in public procurement for the built environment. The five-year plan will see CoreHaus producing around 1,000 modular homes a year, which will result in more than 100 people working across the business. These homes will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC) which will result in high quality homes, built faster, with engineered precision and expected lower energy bills. More details at www.corehaus.co.uk
HS2 today began the search for a specialist contractor to build the high speed rail project’s central control centre and maintenance depot, which will create around 500 long-term jobs in Birmingham’s Washwood Heath. The contract – worth an estimated £275m – will see the winning bidder work with HS2 Ltd to transform the 30 hectare brown field site into the nerve centre of the HS2 network. From this point, next to the main line into Birmingham Curzon Street, HS2’s fleet of state-of-the-art high-speed trains will be serviced and maintained, 24 hours a day, seven days a week – ready to provide an unparalleled level of frequency and reliability for passengers across the UK. The depot will include a 40,000 m2 Rolling Stock Maintenance Building, Carriage Wash, Automatic Vehicle Inspection Building and 14 sidings where trains can be stored overnight. Also on the same site will be the Network Integrated Control Centre, the centre of the network’s state-of-the-art signalling and control systems as well as office buildings for cleaners and drivers. HS2 Ltd’s Commercial Director, David Poole said: “The start of the search for a contractor to build Washwood Heath is a real milestone for the HS2 project and a huge long-term opportunity for the area. With main works civils construction now well underway, we are putting the specialist team in place to support operation of the new railway. “Washwood Heath will be at the heart of the operation – and around 500 high skilled jobs based at the depot will be a major boost for the community.” The Washwood Heath site was formerly home to the disused Metro-Cammell railway works which closed in 2004. A team from HS2’s early works contractor LM, completed the demolition of the buildings on the site last year, ready for the start of construction. Once operational, Phase One and 2a will have a fleet of at least 54 trains which will be based at Washwood Heath. These 200m long units can be doubled up to create 400m long trains and will serve destinations beyond the HS2 network – like Liverpool, Preston, Carlisle and Glasgow – via a connection to the existing West Coast Main Line at Crewe. Bidders are expected to be shortlisted for the single-stage design and build contract in the summer with contract award in 2023.
The UK’s leading student accommodation platform, UniHomes, has called on letting agents and landlords within the student rental sector to act with greater vigilance, as changes to the model tenancy agreement could lead to an increase in the number of students opting to have a pet while at university. Lockdown has caused a spike in pet ownership as many look to fill the boredom of days spent inside, as well as finding a new reason to venture out for some fresh air. Research by the PFMA has found that so far 2.1m people have added a pet to their family while in lockdown, with a further 1.8m planning to join them soon. However, the downside to this surge in knee-jerk pet ownership has inevitably been an increase in pets being abandoned, with the RSPCA revealing that 4,600 animals were dumped on them last winter alone; including horses, rabbits, cats and dogs to name but a few. UniHomes fears that this is a trend that could soon start to sweep the student rental sector due to recent changes to the model tenancy agreement now allowing well-behaved pets in rental properties. Research by UniHomes found that just 6% of all student accommodation currently listed on the market is pet friendly. However, UniHomes also found that while just 10% of students currently choose to have their pet live with them, 48% would have a pet at uni if ‘pet friendly’ accommodation was more widely available. Under the new laws now in place, a blanket ban on pets within the rental sector is no longer allowed. Instead, landlords must object in writing within 28 days of a pet request from a tenant. Rejections should only be made for a good reason such as the property being unpractical for the pet in question. Tenants will also remain legally responsible for any damages and the cost incurred. With no distinction made between regular and student rental properties, an easing of pet rental restrictions coupled with ongoing lockdown restrictions could cause an uplift in pet ownership amongst students. The unfortunate consequence of which could be an increase in pets being abandoned come the end of term time. Co-Founder of UniHomes, Phil Greaves commented: “Recent amendments to the model tenancy agreement mean that more landlords could be about to open up their homes to well-behaved pet roommates for students studying at university. However, we would urge both landlords and letting agents to be vigilant when it comes to student pet rental requests and consider the welfare of the animal as much as the potential impact on their property. We’ve seen numerous cases where students have left pets for the landlord or agent to deal with once they’ve finished their studies and we wouldn’t advise it for students who are keen to live the party lifestyle.” Survey of 1,068 UK students carried out by Find Out Now (11th February 2021). Do you have a pet in your student accommodation? Answer Respondents No 90% Yes 10% Would you have brought a pet to university if pet-friendly student accommodation was more widely available? Answer Respondents No 52% Yes 48% Location Pet-friendly rentals as a % of all student-specific rental stock Newport 20% London 15% Aberdeen 12% Edinburgh 11% Glasgow 11% Cambridge 6% Plymouth 3% Liverpool 3% Manchester 3% Sunderland 3% Southampton 2% Bradford 2% Birmingham 2% Portsmouth 2% Bournemouth 2% Oxford 2% Bristol 1% Swansea 1% Nottingham 1% Sheffield 1% Leeds 1% Newcastle 0% Leicester 0% Cardiff 0% Belfast 0% All 6% Pet-friendly stock based on the proportion of all student-specific rental stock that allows pets. Data sourced from Zoopla.