Record numbers of people have been booking places on a CPD created by insulation specialist Actis since it became a RIBA-approved training course at the end of 2020. The much-praised and already very popular session on Addressing the performance gap with reflective insulation looks at how to combat thermal bridging
Strategic Appointment Follows Lettings Success Barings Real Estate, one of the world’s largest diversified real estate investment managers, has appointed JLL to the leasing team at its 180,000 sq ft Landmark development in Manchester City Centre following a series of high-profile transactions at the building. JLL joins CBRE and Colliers
CONSTRUCTION firm Stepnell has delivered a new exclusive £12 million care facility in the West Midlands. The state-of-the-art scheme – located in Eastcote, Solihull – was completed in just over 18-months on behalf of luxury care home provider Cinnamon Care Collection, which has been recognised as a top 20 recommended care home
Places for People Group has committed to tackling the UK’s poverty premium, investing in the Fair by Design (FBD) Fund – an organisation which helps to grow businesses that make markets fairer. Via its charity Places Foundation, Places for People has committed £250k to FBD, which is managed by Ascension
Ross Baxter, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, which comprises Pasquill, Roofspace Solutions, International Timber, Intrastack and Scotframe, said: “The housebuilding and construction industry are an essential part of the UK economy and its resilience has been severely put to the test over the past 12 months. I welcome the
James Simmonds, head of UHY Hacker Young’s national drinks sector group and partner at its Nottingham office, said: “Sunak has announced that the business rates holiday has been extended to end of June 2021, which is great for the food and drink sector. However, many pubs, bars and restaurants may not be able to open until 21 June under the government’s current roadmap so, while this extension will
Working collaboratively has become an increasingly preferred method in order to deliver projects at pace. This approach was proactively adopted by partnership housing specialist Lovell Partnerships, and regional managing director Lee Sale identifies this approach as the reason the North West has smashed its 2020 target. “There is no doubt
The second phase of development at Cable Wharf, a 598-home riverside development on the banks of the Thames at Northfleet, has been launched with 180 apartments and houses available. National housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes, is regenerating the area of Northfleet and is delivering mix tenure new homes, comprising of houses and
Family run plant hire and waste disposal company Buckland Newton Hire (BNH) is now the proud owner of the UK’s first next generation Cat® 313 GC, courtesy of Finning UK & Ireland, the region’s exclusive Cat dealer. BNH purchased the machine specifically to meet the long-term hire needs of a
FOLLOWING Rishi Sunak’s spring budget announcement, the stamp duty holiday will now be extended to 30 June 2021 and a 5% mortgage scheme will be re-introduced next month. Jess Mitchell, office manager at Nottinghamshire estate agent Gascoines, said: “Following the initial government announcement to introduce a stamp duty holiday, the market saw house hunters relieved of costs and induced a mini housing boom as
Record numbers of people have been booking places on a CPD created by insulation specialist Actis since it became a RIBA-approved training course at the end of 2020. The much-praised and already very popular session on Addressing the performance gap with reflective insulation looks at how to combat thermal bridging and achieve optimal energy efficiency. Attendance figures for the free online sessions in January and February have been at their highest level since the sessions went online when the pandemic first hit – up around 20% on 2020 levels. As well as being available directly via Actis to building control officers, architects, specifiers and builders, it is also promoted via RIBA’s website, and the Institute’s monthly newsletter. It is being offered to RIBA chartered architects, who, along with their non-RIBA affiliated counterparts, must complete 35 hours of CPD every year. RIBA approved CPDs are worth double the points of a standard CPD and are therefore much prized by members, with 76% of them choosing training which has been specifically approved by the professional body. All RIBA approved CPDs must meet strict criteria, be educational, innovative and balanced, address relevant statutory issues and have a clear learning outcome. They are designed to provide solutions to design problems and are likely to address sustainability issues, correct product application and legislative information. Actis national specification manager Dan Anson-Hart said: “The two sessions we’ve run since RIBA approved the module for its members have seen a very strong take up. The module looks at why the performance gap exists, the effects of external factors on the fabric efficiency of a building, the impact of thermal bridging and how reflective insulation can address it.” Register here to join the CPD on the second Thursday of every month at 1pm.
Strategic Appointment Follows Lettings Success Barings Real Estate, one of the world’s largest diversified real estate investment managers, has appointed JLL to the leasing team at its 180,000 sq ft Landmark development in Manchester City Centre following a series of high-profile transactions at the building. JLL joins CBRE and Colliers International as agents on Landmark. Landmark has had a strong start to 2021, securing two global occupiers and a coffee bar operator since the start of the year. In January, Barings announced it had signed a management agreement with flexible workspace group, Hana, for 32,000 sq ft at Landmark. Hana will design, build and operate the flexible space, called Hana at St Peter’s Square, which isexpected to open in mid-2021. Additionally, global professional services firm Grant Thornton agreed a 15 year lease to relocate its 350-strong Manchester team into the 13,219 sq ft eleventh floor of Landmark and will take occupation of the space later this year upon completion of its fit-out. Most recently, it was announced that award-winning premium coffee company and social enterprise supporting people out of homelessness, Change Please, will operate the coffee and pastry bar within Landmark. JLL is an existing occupier at Landmark, having moved its Manchester team into the 14,004 sq ft 10th floor last year, representing JLL’s largest commercial office outside of London. Ian Mayhew, Managing Director at Barings, said; “JLL’s 10th floor office within Landmark is an exceptional space and is on target to achieve WELL Platinum and BREAAM Excellent for its impressive and sustainable fit-out. Bringing JLL on board was a natural move. In addition to being an excellent operator in the market, the team can utilise their first-hand experience of Landmark whilst engaging with potential occupiers and showcasing their space to interested parties. CBRE and Colliers International have secured us three important occupiers in quick succession, during a pandemic, since we achieved practical completion of Landmark in 2020 and we are excited to be building on that success with the appointment of JLL to the leasing team.” Chris Mulcahy, Director of Office Agency at JLL, continued; “JLL chose to relocate to Landmark because the building was of the highest quality and for the first-class amenities and public transport links close by. Looking forward, these credentials are going to be increasingly important for when businesses assess their office needs. We are delighted to be joining the team and look forward to welcoming more neighbours shortly.” The 180,000 sq ft award-winning Landmark development, which completed in 2020, offers 14 floors of BREEAM Excellent and Wired Score Platinum certified, next generation office space in the world-renowned St Peter’s Square district of Manchester City Centre.
CONSTRUCTION firm Stepnell has delivered a new exclusive £12 million care facility in the West Midlands. The state-of-the-art scheme – located in Eastcote, Solihull – was completed in just over 18-months on behalf of luxury care home provider Cinnamon Care Collection, which has been recognised as a top 20 recommended care home group for the past three years. The luxury care and retirement living development, named Eastcote Park, is now ready to open its doors to residents next month, providing residential and respite care, as well as a dedicated community for those living with dementia. The two-storey build features a 50-bedroom care home and two additional apartment blocks that house 34 two-bedroom retirement apartments, with personal and private lift access for first-floor residents. The former garden centre and once brownfield site has been transformed with beautiful landscaped gardens, as well as outstanding facilities – such as a restaurant, bar, fitness suite, cinema room, hair and beauty salon and multiple lounges. Adrian Barnes, regional director at Stepnell, said: “We are really proud to have delivered this fantastic, advanced care facility for one of our repeat clients and one of the most highly regarded care home providers in the country. “As a former brownfield site, the land provided several practical challenges for us – such as surface water issues – as it is surrounded by countryside. We also had the added pressure of lockdown for a large chunk of the build, requiring us to adhere to government guidelines to ensure that we could stay on site to deliver the project on time and on budget. “Stepnell is continuing to increase its portfolio of high-end luxury care homes in the UK, and our care specialists pride themselves in understanding the importance of a beautifully designed living space and the impact it can have on the people living there. We are really pleased to be able to continue our successful relationship with Cinnamon on another care home in Stourbridge, due to commence on site shortly.” Albert Josephs, head of development at Cinnamon Care Collection, said: “We are excited to be opening the doors to our new, luxury retirement village for the West Midlands. Construction firm, Stepnell has done an outstanding job in completing Eastcote Park over the last 18-months – so much so that we are planning to appoint them for future Cinnamon sites. Every detail within the care home and the retirement village has been carefully planned to the highest standards, using the finest quality furnishings and fittings throughout.” The new ultra-modern care facility, designed by architects Harris Irwin, has been carefully designed with dedicated areas including sensory, reminiscence and visual stimulation to help support those living with dementia. Ian Holme, director at Harris Irwin, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in this project at Eastcote Park and seeing it through from inception to completion. Working closely with both Cinnamon and Stepnell, this outstanding development is the result of a fantastic team effort by all concerned, delivering the highest quality of accommodation and care environment for its residents. “We have no doubt that Eastcote Park will prove to be a highly successful development and we very much look forward to working with both Cinnamon and Stepnell on many more such projects in the future.” To find out more about Eastcote Park www.cinnamoncc.com/retirement-villages/eastcote-park/ To find out more about Stepnell visit: www.stepnell.co.uk. Join the conversation at @Stepnellltd.
Places for People Group has committed to tackling the UK’s poverty premium, investing in the Fair by Design (FBD) Fund – an organisation which helps to grow businesses that make markets fairer. Via its charity Places Foundation, Places for People has committed £250k to FBD, which is managed by Ascension Ventures and aims to address the poverty premium in the UK by backing social tech ventures. The poverty premium is the extra costs that people on low incomes pay for essential products and services; it is estimated that such costs burden the average low-income household by an extra £490 a year for services including energy, white goods, insurance and credit. The funding is the latest in a long line of social and charitable initiatives from Places for People, which last year delivered over £280m of social value across the Group through its social value activities. Marcus Hulme, Director of Places Impact at Places for People Group said: “We are proud to be a part of this movement which aims to address the poverty premium in the UK. “As an organisation we’re determined to do all that we can to help customers and communities by tackling the grossly unfair poverty premium. There’s such an imbalance when it comes to access to finance and services for some people due to their credit status or financial situation which results in them paying a disproportionate levy on day-to-day services. I’m proud that we’re using our charitable resources to help tackle that.” FDB launched in 2018 with initial investment of £10 million from investors including Big Society Capital and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. It invests in both pre-seed and seed stage social tech ventures which have a clear social purpose and route to market. Initial investments range from £75k to £400k with follow on rounds in companies which have high potential to scale. To date, FBD has deployed £6.6 million in 12 social tech ventures. Other investors in this round include the Nationwide Building Society, Edinburgh University and Esmée Fairbairn, whilst prior funding rounds have attracted investors including Comic Relief and Big Society Capital. Jean de Fougerolles, CEO of Ascension Ventures, concluded: “Ascension has been managing the Fair by Design Fund for the past three years, investing in tech-for-good businesses that reduce key aspects of the poverty premium. “The support of our new investors allows us to scale our work with a leading mission-led organisation to tackle the challenges faced by people impacted by the poverty premium across the UK. Together, we can change lives and back formidable entrepreneurs to scale market-led solutions to correct incredibly unjust market failures”
Ross Baxter, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, which comprises Pasquill, Roofspace Solutions, International Timber, Intrastack and Scotframe, said: “The housebuilding and construction industry are an essential part of the UK economy and its resilience has been severely put to the test over the past 12 months. I welcome the Chancellor’s positive announcements, which seek to provide reassurance to manufacturers, suppliers and house builders as well as homebuyers. “The two-year tax deductible on investments will allow us to drive forward with our plans for continuous improvement, growing both our services and product portfolio. Meanwhile, mortgage guarantees and the extension of the stamp duty holiday until 1 June will keep the market moving and provide continuity of work for everyone in the sector, so we can deliver on the ambition to build back better.”
James Simmonds, head of UHY Hacker Young’s national drinks sector group and partner at its Nottingham office, said: “Sunak has announced that the business rates holiday has been extended to end of June 2021, which is great for the food and drink sector. However, many pubs, bars and restaurants may not be able to open until 21 June under the government’s current roadmap so, while this extension will be welcomed by the industry, it may not relieve many hospitality businesses from rent debt. “The government also announced the continuation of the reduced VAT rate of 5% until 30 September 2021, along with an interim rate of 12.5% for a further six months to allow the consumer to pay reduced prices at the business’ discretion. “Restart grants of up to £18,000 for hospitality businesses will also be welcomed – however, this sum is to the rateable value of the business’ property assets so the grant could be as low as £8,000 for smaller premises. “The continuation of the freeze on alcohol duties for the second consecutive year will hopefully keep the consumer from paying increased prices and incentivise a return to pubs, bars and restaurants post-Covid. “Additionally, the introduction of a community ownership fund will allow communities across the UK to invest in and protect what matters most to their area, which in many places may well be the local pub or hospitality business – something that could also bring benefits to the industry.” For more information on UHY Hacker Young, please www.uhy-uk.com or call 0115 959 0900.
Working collaboratively has become an increasingly preferred method in order to deliver projects at pace. This approach was proactively adopted by partnership housing specialist Lovell Partnerships, and regional managing director Lee Sale identifies this approach as the reason the North West has smashed its 2020 target. “There is no doubt that last year was tough for all businesses but the house building sector rose to the challenge, very much supported by the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ investment. “This week marks my second anniversary at Lovell and our collaborative approach with housing associations and local authorities – supported by some ambitious targets for growth and affordable housing delivery – is the reason the region is on track to smash its five-year goals. “We have actively prioritised joint ventures and frameworks to meet the government’s ambitious targets and we’ve found a real enthusiasm from our partners to drive the need for affordable housing through collaborative working. During the pandemic, we remained focused on our long-term, trusted partnerships with clients to deliver much needed housing across the North West. “As a result, we started or delivered many more important developments last year while successfully bidding on nearly 1,500 units of land and securing seven new projects, totalling more than 700 units. We also delivered 338 new homes, only 14 homes short of our original forecast despite Covid-19. “This was boosted by the four bold commitments I made when I joined the North West team two years ago this week: to see the region achieve more than £100m turnover, become a 5* builder, deliver double digits profit and enable three new strategic partnerships or joint ventures. I’m therefore incredibly proud to say that we are on track to achieve, all four. “These results are down to the fantastic people at Lovell – everyone really rallied together. This ambition and winning attitude has enabled us to succeed throughout the pandemic and deliver top quality housing.” “We are currently working on many key partnership projects including Weston Woods, a strategic joint venture with Latimer – Clarion Housing Group’s development arm – to deliver a 99-home scheme near Nantwich as well as a development in Pendleton, Salford with Lovell Together – a joint venture with Together Housing Group – that is set to be one of the largest strategic residential regeneration projects in Greater Manchester. Work has also recently started at The Strand, a development in Rochdale, which is in partnership with RBH. “We have also just secured a place on the Your Housing and Torus frameworks to help address the housing shortage across the region. “These are still challenging times so as we move further into 2021, we’re looking towards a significant year of sustainable growth in the North West following two years of solid performance. As a company we will also be developing our roadmap to carbon neutrality as we secure our business pipeline for 2023 onwards and building on our social value and CSR programme. “The house building sector has some really high targets to meet and working collaboratively enables us to work at pace and deliver the much-needed homes that are required across the North West. By building homes but also investing in the local communities, these joint ventures can make a real, tangible difference.” For more information, please visit: corporate.lovell.co.uk.
The second phase of development at Cable Wharf, a 598-home riverside development on the banks of the Thames at Northfleet, has been launched with 180 apartments and houses available. National housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes, is regenerating the area of Northfleet and is delivering mix tenure new homes, comprising of houses and apartments, available for sale on the open market, via shared ownership as well as affordable rent. As part of Ebbsfleet Garden City, the £175 million development will transform the former cabling factories site into a thriving, tree-lined riverside community which, as well as homes, will include commercial spaces, new transport links and a primary school. Situated a short distance from the high-speed train connections at Ebbsfleet International railway station, commuters can be in St Pancras within 17 minutes or Paris in under 4 hours. Following the completion of phase one which consisted of 139 new homes, of which 120 homes will be available for Affordable Housing and Shared Ownership, the development has now entered its second phase of construction and will see 68 one- and two- bed apartments and 112 two-, three-, and four- bedroom houses being built, as well as a brand-new sales office. As part of the Ebbsfleet Garden City project, which aims to transform the area and deliver 15,000 new homes, Cable Wharf is set within a unique backdrop of ancient chalk cliffs overlooking the River Thames. Mick O’Farrell, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “We’re excited to be starting the second phase of construction at Cable Wharf. This significant regeneration project will not only deliver almost 600 much-needed new homes to the area, but every aspect of Cable Wharf including the communal areas, riverside promenade and new transport links, has been designed to fulfil the needs of this brand-new community. “Such has been the interest in the development that, following the launch of our marketing suite and show home last year, we have welcomed our first homeowners to Cable Wharf and are excited unveil the second phase comprising 180 new homes.’’ The four-phase development is expected to take six years to complete. For more information, visit cablewharf.com.
Family run plant hire and waste disposal company Buckland Newton Hire (BNH) is now the proud owner of the UK’s first next generation Cat® 313 GC, courtesy of Finning UK & Ireland, the region’s exclusive Cat dealer. BNH purchased the machine specifically to meet the long-term hire needs of a recycling customer, as the new machine enables high productivity at lower running costs. The next generation 313 GC offers increased power and is designed to boost operator efficiency. It also lowers maintenance costs making it popular for rental and all-round excavating applications that require reliability. It includes two modes, Smart and Power, as well as a new, larger cab with improved ingress/egress to boost operator comfort. BNH’s fleet consists almost exclusively of Cat equipment and the 313 GC is not the only new addition. The company has also ordered its first wheel loader, a 950 GC, to arrive later this year. The 950 GC is a versatile, reliable machine with a high power density Cat 7.1 engine, the automatic Cat regeneration system and unmatched reliability and uptime. Both GC machines have been purchased with service contracts, so Finning can guarantee a low cost of ownership. Alongside its purchase of the 313 GC and 950 GC, BNH ordered a fleet of twelve machines from Finning, to support the launch of a new facility in December 2020. This included the company’s first dozer, a D6. “We are always looking for ways to improve and upgrade our fleet,” explained Brad Perrett, Manager at BNH. “The 313 GC is a natural evolution — it means we can maintain our competitive pricing, while offering all the creature comforts of Cat. I was impressed with the simplicity of the design, it is an easy-to-use, powerful, nice looking machine. “Our customers are looking for reliable, durable products,” added Perrett. “We have worked with Finning for over 30 years and see Cat as central to our brand — it’s the thing that makes us stand out locally. Our customers are raving about the next generation Cat equipment — people love them!” “The GC series is a way for companies to become Cat owners at really competitive price points,” explained Jack Cezair, Territory Account Manager at Finning. “They bring many benefits to plant hire companies, as they deliver clear return on investment and means they can become a Cat owner for less than they think. Operators enjoy the comfortable cab design, increase their productivity, while saving on fuel and maintenance costs. We are encouraging others in the industry to challenge their realities and follow suit.” The GC series includes the 313 GC Small Excavator, 315 GC, 320 GC Medium Excavator and the 950 GC Medium Wheel Loader. All four are designed to offer the reliability and durability of Cat products, while offering affordability and lower running costs. For more information on the GC series of equipment, visit https://equipmentuk.finning.com/gcseries/.
FOLLOWING Rishi Sunak’s spring budget announcement, the stamp duty holiday will now be extended to 30 June 2021 and a 5% mortgage scheme will be re-introduced next month. Jess Mitchell, office manager at Nottinghamshire estate agent Gascoines, said: “Following the initial government announcement to introduce a stamp duty holiday, the market saw house hunters relieved of costs and induced a mini housing boom as sellers were eager to take advantage and complete transactions in time. “Rishi Sunak initially set the holiday, which extended to properties under £500,000, to end on 31 March 2021 but has announced the deadline will now be extended to 30 June with the nil-rate then lowered to £250,000 until the end of September. We’re therefore expecting to see a high number of properties listed over the coming weeks and offers placed in very short time periods, from now until September to really make the most of the extension.” A government-backed 5% mortgage scheme will also be re-introduced to help current homeowners as well as first-time buyers looking to purchase a house for up to £600,000. The initiate will be available from April 2021 and has been designed to help “generation rent” become “generation buy”. Jess added: “With the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 over the last 12 months, the property market witnessed lenders withdrawing their 95% mortgage offerings and demanding deposits of 10 – 15%, with much higher interest rates. “We’re starting to see these rates dropping back to normal levels again and with the new government scheme, we hope to see more first-time buyers coming through the door and getting their foot onto the property ladder. “My advice would be to always aim for higher than your deposit and if possible, have this ready – along with a mortgage in principle – before you start looking for a house and seek advice from your local estate agents or mortgage advisors.” To find out more about Gascoines or speak to one of the local property experts, please visit www.gascoines.co or call 01636 813245. For rentals and lettings, the property management team are also available to deal with any enquiries and urgent maintenance. Alternatively, join the conversation on social media @gascoines.