New technology will be used to design Enfield Council’s £6bn Meridian Water development to ensure it delivers the maximum benefits to as many people as possible. Jacobs is partnering with Enfield Council to provide program and master plan leadership, technical design and planning advisory services for the development of a
Timber and panel imports reached 1.08 million m3 in November 2020, which was the highest monthly total since the October 2007 volume of 1.04 million m3. This was the second consecutive month where imports of the main timber and panel products were above the 1 million m3 mark. The growth
Whether you want to create a grand entrance or a bold first impression, windows and doors play an important role in enhancing a building’s kerb appeal. But with so many design options to choose from, how do you know which one to opt for, or what to recommend to your
Construction engineering consultancy, Howard Ward Associates (HWA), has made a positive start to 2021 with a pipeline of work with a GDV of approximately £125m and a new appointment to the team within its first quarter. Nottingham-based HWA delivers construction engineering consultancy services across the country in sectors including education, healthcare, emergency
The award-winning team at SO Resi has launched an innovative new shared ownership sales agency for external parties, be it other housing associations, local authority housing providers, investment funds or private developers. In the spirit of sharing best practice, the team wants to share their approach to ensure greater access
Every homeowner requires a trustworthy roofer whom they can count on when they need roof repairs. Finding the best roofing expert can be challenging if it’s the first time you are hiring. Roof replacement isn’t a frequent activity, and thus many companies do not care about offering quality services. Therefore,
The Party Wall Act 1996 governs building work that affects a shared wall, boundary or structure between adjoining properties. It sets out the specific process that must be followed to protect the interests of both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners. The Act typically applies to loft conversions, basement excavations, building
When it comes to starting a business, there are various realms that you can look to go down, from selling services to making and selling products, there are a lot of options to choose from. However, if you are not someone who wants to create and sell their own brand
New businesses are springing up as people are finding ways to earn money. The increase in eCommerce, warehousing as well as the logistics industry can be seen. There are many warehouses present in some countries which try and meet the requirements of online retailers as well as consumers. It is
The Ellen Terry building, a former cinema in the heart of Coventry University’s city centre campus, is to be given an internal transformation by refurbishment specialist Overbury. The art deco building which has been a characteristic feature of Coventry’s city centre landscape since 1880 is now the home of the
New technology will be used to design Enfield Council’s £6bn Meridian Water development to ensure it delivers the maximum benefits to as many people as possible. Jacobs is partnering with Enfield Council to provide program and master plan leadership, technical design and planning advisory services for the development of a new masterplan for Meridian Water. The company is using geodesign technology to make the development sustainable and ensure there is good access to parks, transport links, schools, healthcare, food and jobs ensuring Meridian Water is a truly transformational scheme for the people of Enfield. They showcased their design software in the ‘Meridian Water – Sustainable and Resilient by Design’ presentation given at the Esri 2021 Geodesign Summit which was hosted online between 9-11 February. Details of the presentation can be found in the Jacobs Newsroom at https://www.jacobs.com/newsroom With cities around the world are facing unprecedented levels of change. The usual drivers – a warming climate, rapid population growth, urbanization, and advances in technology have been exacerbated by coronavirus, exposing social inequality and reinforcing the message of how connected our communities are. It means the plans for Meridian Water must have plans in place to ensure it, and its residents, can meet the challenges of the future, head on. Enfield Council’s Leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan, said: “We have always been clear that Meridian Water is more than just a housing development, it is a pathway to jobs, prosperity and a better future for thousands of Enfield residents. But the scheme needs to be resilient and enable the people who live there to rise to future challenges by being resilient and sustainable for many years to come. “Using this approach will enable us to find innovative solutions to the challenges we face in planning this scheme and ensure we have a wealth of data available before we make critical decisions. It will directly benefit the people of Enfield because we will deliver a world class development for them which will be genuinely transformational for our borough.” The Meridian Water redevelopment project is a major £6 billion, 20-year regeneration program led by Enfield Council, bringing 10,000 homes and 6,000 jobs to the borough. Alongside beautiful homes and world-class public spaces and community facilities, the 200-acre development will have its own brand-new railway station – which is already completed, linking commuters to the region. As well as working on the masterplan, Jacobs is also providing client technical advisory service across several disciplines during the design and delivery of over £150 million of strategic infrastructure works to help unlock the Meridian Water site. For more information contact Andrew Golder, Press and New Media Manager, Enfield Council. Tel: 020 8379 5147. Email: Andrew.golder@enfield.gov.uk
Timber and panel imports reached 1.08 million m3 in November 2020, which was the highest monthly total since the October 2007 volume of 1.04 million m3. This was the second consecutive month where imports of the main timber and panel products were above the 1 million m3 mark. The growth in the imports of the main timber and panel products in November 2020 of nearly 37% is in stark contrast to the 39% reduction in volume in April 2020. David Hopkins, CEO of the Timber Trade Federation, said: “This demonstrates that the timber supply chain has been working at full steam trying to meet the unprecedented demand. Record volumes of timber are being brought in and absorbed by the market as quickly as they are coming off the dock, often by previous allocation. “We can expect construction and renovation to play a large role in these plans, putting extra pressure on supply chains in terms of availability and inflation. “This has caused problems across the supply chain, particularly the merchant-to-builder route, causing strain and shortages in certain areas.”
Whether you want to create a grand entrance or a bold first impression, windows and doors play an important role in enhancing a building’s kerb appeal. But with so many design options to choose from, how do you know which one to opt for, or what to recommend to your customers? As we head into a new year, Nick Cowley, managing director of manufacturer of uPVC windows Euramax, analyses some of the key trends for 2021. DIY sales soared in 2020, as homeowners spent their time indoors making home improvements. In fact, the Office for National Statistics reported a 1.5 per cent rise in DIY sales between August and September 2020, at a time when many industries stood still. This trend could well persist throughout 2021, with homeowners continuing to spruce up their spaces. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the window and door trends worth the investment. A splash of colour It’s a common assumption that poly vinyl chloride (uPVC) window frames come in standard white. While some may prefer to keep things simple, coloured window frames are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Dubbed “the new white,” grey frames work well across numerous house styles, from trendy modern spaces to more traditional, period properties. The neutral shade can create a sophisticated effect while offering a hint of colour, making it the perfect choice if you want a subtle break from conformity. Moving away from traditional woodgrain and white uPVC, doors could also receive a splash of colour in 2021. Composite doors are one of the most popular entrance door options, and are available in a range of colours. Inspired by perhaps the most famous front doors in the country, 10 Downing Street, black is an increasingly popular choice for those who prefer a sleek and simple statement. Taking inspiration from elsewhere in politics, Chartwell green is another shade that continues to gain traction. Named after Winston Churchill’s Kent home, the light and bright pastel shade provides a refreshing change from traditional colour options. Time to open up As well as revitalising homes, many homeowners paid extra attention to their gardens in 2020 — and what better way keep enjoying them than to bring a touch of the outdoors inside? Open plan has been a popular trend for many years as homeowners seek to create a large and airy space that transports them from feeling confined indoors. However, budget restrictions and the need for extensive remodelling can put the open plan dream on hold. Instead, additions such as bi-folding doors can make an effective replacement. In the warmer weather, bi-folds can completely fold away to create the illusion of more space and a fluid transition between the home and garden. In the winter months, their floor-to-ceiling glass panels bring in plenty of natural light. Opening just one panel at a time means they can still be used as an access point while keeping the heat in. Window shopping As we grow a year closer to the UK’s 2050 net zero emissions target, our homes need to do more than just look good. Among all building envelopes, the design of a home’s exterior, windows and doors are a main culprit for heat loss — with losses accounting for 20 to 30 per cent of a building’s entire energy consumption. To improve thermal efficiency, some may opt for triple glazing. The third pane of glass, located halfway between the inner and outer panes of double glazing, creates two air locks that beat the energy performance of regular double glazing by around 50 per cent. Between each pane is a pocket of air or inert gas, such as argon, which is heavier than air and works as an insulator for both noise and heat. However, this window option can cost around 20 per cent more than double glazed options, so it’s worth evaluating if the extra pane is worth the upfront investment. Thermally efficient frames can also have a large bearing on the overall performance of a window, so should also be considered when looking to improve energy efficiency. Because argon gas is denser than air, adding it to the captive air in double glazed windows improves their thermal efficiency, without the needed for added glass. When used in conjunction with a special low emissivity glass coating, argon gas can bring the temperature of the window closer to room temperature. Whether you plan to continue sprucing up your space in 2021, or are looking to reduce your heating bills with smart upgrades, windows and doors could be the key to your new year’s refresh.
Construction engineering consultancy, Howard Ward Associates (HWA), has made a positive start to 2021 with a pipeline of work with a GDV of approximately £125m and a new appointment to the team within its first quarter. Nottingham-based HWA delivers construction engineering consultancy services across the country in sectors including education, healthcare, emergency services and residential. Following a busy 2020 and a strong pipeline of work this year, plus continued investment in technology, HWA is able to invest in the next generation of its team members. Structural engineer Jack Thompson has joined the team following the completion of his BEng Civil Engineering (Hons) degree at Nottingham Trent University, where he is continuing his studies with a masters in Structural Engineering. A student member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Jack will support the senior HWA team by producing designs, drawings and calculations for projects and developing solutions to complex technical challenges. Jack will be busy out of the office too; visiting construction sites for inspections and providing advice and guidance to contractors and suppliers to ensure the smooth delivery of schemes. On his new appointment, Jack said: “I’m incredibly pleased to start my new role at HWA and have the opportunity to advance my career at a company that is well-respected and highly experienced in the industry. “Thanks to a recommendation by a principal engineer at HWA, I knew I wanted to join the team here – I was able to experience three weeks at the company prior to Christmas, to get to know everyone and get a good feel for how the company operates. “The team have been very supportive when it comes to my studies and I will have the chance to work on a mixture of great projects, use different types of design and meet people from all sectors of the industry.” Established in 1977, HWA has worked across high-profile schemes, both locally and nationally, and continues to develop and expand its talented team to further service its clients. One of the firm’s latest projects is The Oaks, Coventry – a significant, phased, student accommodation development located close to the University of Warwick. HWA provided civil and structural engineering services from feasibility and planning stages through the construction stage which is currently on site. HWA also recently completed its work in a ground-breaking renewables project in Lancashire. 250 social housing properties were fitted with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels – the result of a three-year initiative to help revolutionise the sector’s usage of renewable energy. Closer to home, on a pro-bono basis the company assisted charitable organisation Lowdham Railway Heritage to relocate Lowdham’s original signal box to a new position, which meant lifting the historic structure across the lines. Giles Ward, managing director at HWA, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Jack to the team, as we enter a new year that is set to be a busy and positive one for the company. Jack brings a great attitude to his role, an abundance of skills and an eagerness to learn. He is already settling in well to the team. “Given the challenges faced by us all over the last year, we are proud of the resilience, flexibility and motivation shown by our team – it has allowed us to continue working with new clients – and continue to provide efficient and flexible service. “We have worked on many unique and ground-breaking projects over the last year – which have supported both our local communities in the East Midlands and further afield – and we’re looking forward to delivering the exciting pipeline of works we have lined up in 2021.”
The award-winning team at SO Resi has launched an innovative new shared ownership sales agency for external parties, be it other housing associations, local authority housing providers, investment funds or private developers. In the spirit of sharing best practice, the team wants to share their approach to ensure greater access to affordable homes, especially for those looking to buy a home in the current economic climate. SO Resi Agency will offer partners an extensive database of would-be buyers looking for shared ownership homes. Coupled with this, owing to its strong market presence SO Resi has on average 50,000-60,000 visitors to their website every month. The service the team can provide is twofold; from finding buyers to taking customers through to legal completion, utilising their internal processes to help get sales across the line. The agency service will allow users to advertise their property on the SO Resi Agency website and access the teams’ expertise including marketing and sales support. Diana Alam, Head of Sales at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, comments: “With lending becoming more challenging at entry level, and an economic backdrop that presents challenges to homebuyers, more and more people are looking to shared ownership as a way to get into the market, or upsize without the risk of taking on a burdensome mortgage. “We have been inundated with people interested in shared ownership, which is why we are excited to be launching a new sales agency dedicated to shared ownership housing. We are looking forward to sharing best practice, but more importantly providing buyers with access to more affordable homes and promoting the many benefits offered by shared ownership.” Over the last six months, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing has been working closely with ReSI Housing, a for-profit Registered Provider managed by Gresham House, a for-profit fund, and together the partnership has brought forward 138 new homes to the Shared Ownership Market. It hopes to replicate this with other funds, housing associations and local authority providers to share best practice and more choice. Diana Alam adds: “We have already established a number of partnerships through SO Resi Agency, with high levels of reservations recorded for recently launched properties on behalf of our partners. Partnerships are vital in accelerating the delivery of affordable homes across the country, and we hope to continue to work with those in the industry to provide aspirational buyers with the opportunity to own their own home.” To find out more about SO Resi Agency, visit www.soagency.co.uk or call 020 3369 0273.
Every homeowner requires a trustworthy roofer whom they can count on when they need roof repairs. Finding the best roofing expert can be challenging if it’s the first time you are hiring. Roof replacement isn’t a frequent activity, and thus many companies do not care about offering quality services. Therefore, a homeowner should be careful while settling for a roofing contractor. Services from a good roofing company will give you peace of mind and help you save money on constant repairs. Check the following qualities of a good roofing company. Use of Quality Materials A good roofing company will ensure the client uses the best quality materials when roofing. Many companies are after money and not the client’s interest. Cheap is expensive, and if the roofing materials are substandard, the homeowner will be at a loss. Good Communication Skills A homeowner should know the progress of the roofing project. Therefore, a reputable contractor should be transparent and honest. They should also be available to answer questions at any time with relevant facts. A good company should also have a website where you can reach them when not at the site. Check how they respond to other clients and their reviews. Do they have positive or negative reviews on customer service? From there, you will be able to gauge them. Local Referrals Hiring a local company comes with lots of benefits. First, the company is well known in your area and so is its reputation. The company is also aware of the area’s weather conditions, so they are best in advising you of the right roofing materials. In addition to that, a local company will be easy to follow in case something comes up. On the contrary, a far company may not always respond to problems quickly. Lastly, a good company that offers services for roofing Edmonton has a reputation to maintain, and therefore, quality roofing is what they strive to offer to their clients. Experience Experience is non-negotiable when looking for a roofing company. Poor installation is the leading cause of roofing problems. You may buy standard materials, but if the contractor is inexperienced, your roof will have issues. Check the number of years the company has been operational to determine its experience level. Consider companies with more than five years’ experience. License and Insurance A good company should have insurance for its employees and subcontractors. You can ask for a copy of the insurance certificate for validation purposes. Uninsured employees can cause extra charges to a homeowner in case he/she gets an accident at the site. Most states require licenses from roofing companies. If you are in such a place, ensure the company has a valid license. Warranty A roofing project is an expensive venture. Therefore, a good company should provide a warranty on material quality and workmanship. It is advisable to know the number of warranty years a company is offering. You can always shop around and compare with other companies before making a decision. You will have peace of mind and assurance that the company will provide nothing but excellent installation.
The Party Wall Act 1996 governs building work that affects a shared wall, boundary or structure between adjoining properties. It sets out the specific process that must be followed to protect the interests of both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners. The Act typically applies to loft conversions, basement excavations, building extensions and similar types of construction work in terraced or semi-detached homes. But what about building work in the garden? You may well think that a new building at the bottom of the garden would not fall within the scope of the Act, but you could be wrong. Take the example of a homeowner wishing to build a standalone garden office. Building a garden office As a result of the recent lockdowns, home working is now not only far more widespread than ever before, but many people are expressing a desire to work from home permanently, at least some of the time. And with living space in the home under increasing pressure, the creation of an office in the garden is a popular solution. The good news is that a garden office less than 2.5 metres in height that is used as a home office (as opposed to business premises) is likely to fall within permitted development rights. However, it is always worth checking with the local authority to obtain confirmation that no planning consent is required. When it comes to the garden, the Party Wall Act does not apply to boundary fences, however it does apply to a garden wall that either abuts or sits astride the boundary line, even if the wall does not form part of any building. It also applies to brick-built sheds, though not timber sheds. And it applies to excavations in the garden near a neighbouring property. Is Party Wall Notice required? The Party Wall Act states that any work that could affect the structural integrity or support function of the party wall or structure, or could damage the neighbouring side of the wall, must be notified. This includes Demolishing and/or rebuilding a party boundary wall Increasing the thickness or height of the party boundary wall Excavating within 3 metres of a neighbouring building or structure and to a greater depth than the foundations of the neighbouring building or structure Excavating within 6 metres of a neighbouring building or structure and to a depth that is below a 45° downward line drawing from the bottom of the foundations of the neighbouring building. “The first point to consider is whether there are any shared or adjoining structures within 3 metres of the foundations to the proposed annexe,” advises party wall expert Peter Barry Surveyors. If the answer is yes, and the foundations are deeper than those to the shared or adjoining structure, Notice under section 6 of the Party Wall Act must be served. “If the external walls of the annexe are at the boundary, Notice will need to be served under section 1 of the Act.” How to serve Notice For building works in the garden, Notice must be served to all affected adjoining owners, following the process set out in the Party Wall Act. It must include the following details: Property address Details of property owners Full description of the proposed garden construction works Proposed start date for the work Date the Notice is being served Clear statement that Notice is served under the Party Wall Act Detailed drawing for any excavations Furthermore, there are clear timescales to be observed in order to comply with party wall legislation. If the planned works affect a garden boundary wall or excavation, Notice must be served at least one month before the intended start date. Each neighbouring party has 14 days in which to give their written consent, otherwise the Notice is deemed to be in dispute. If there is a dispute, the parties can appoint a single Agreed Surveyor, or each party can appoint their own surveyor, who will determine a fair and impartial Party Wall Award in line with their statutory responsibilities. Once you have agreement, all works carried out in the garden must comply with the Notice. Clearly, as with any building work affecting neighbours, it is best practice to reach a friendly agreement in the first instance, regardless of whether Notice needs to be served for the creation of a garden office. In the interests of continued harmonious neighbourly relations, it is advisable to informally discuss the intended works, consider the neighbours’ comments and amend the plans if at all possible, before serving formal Party Wall Notice.
When it comes to starting a business, there are various realms that you can look to go down, from selling services to making and selling products, there are a lot of options to choose from. However, if you are not someone who wants to create and sell their own brand of products but still wants to create product ranges, you might want to consider starting a business that manufacturers products for other companies. There is very high income potential within this area; there’s fantastic potential for success, it’s just a case of taking the time to think about how you can go about launching this kind of business. It’s the kind of startup that takes a lot of time, effort and money and can take time to get going. However, with the right approach you can see some fantastic levels of success and amazing growth in a short period of time. Bearing that in mind, below is a guide to the steps that you can take to make your new concept a success. Read on for all of the best tips and pieces of advice that you need! Find the right location The first step to seeing success from starting a business that creates products for other companies is to find the right location. You need to select a location that’s accessible and has good transport links, it’s also worthwhile selecting somewhere that’s close to major distribution centres as this may make product distribution and logistics simpler and more affordable. You also need to think about the size of your facility and how large you would like it to be; do you plan on fulfilling mass orders or do you want to simply work with small, bespoke orders? Create a strong ethos that sets you apart It’s also a good idea to take the time to create a strong ethos that sets you apart from your competitors. If you want to boost your chances of seeing success, it’s worth thinking about creating a niche for your business, such as being an eco-friendly and sustainable product producer, for example, or being a producer that only manufacturers vegan approved products. Having a niche can help to define your success, so it’s something that it’s worth thinking about. Invest in key tools If you are going to build a viable business, it’s vital that you take steps to invest in the key tools that you need to see success. This means thinking about your budget and how much vital tools like chemical scales for instance, will cost you to invest in. If you want to give your business a good chance of success, you need to have the right tools in place. If you’re worried about your budget, perhaps you could consider looking into sourcing some financial backing to help make your business concept a more viable one. There you have it, a few simple tips to make starting a business that manufacturers products for other companies a little easier.
New businesses are springing up as people are finding ways to earn money. The increase in eCommerce, warehousing as well as the logistics industry can be seen. There are many warehouses present in some countries which try and meet the requirements of online retailers as well as consumers. It is important to have inventory management if you want to be efficient in your business. Prompt and the right delivery of products helps the business out. An area of warehouse management includes the pallet rack systems. This store organizes, as well as keeps products secure from harm. It is important to choose the right pallet racks if you want the business to run smoothly. The following points can be considered if you are looking for good Pallet Racks: Storage requirements Look at the type of products that your business has. These can be classified by looking at their density, weight, shelf life as well as the frequency of delivery. By keeping in mind this data, it is possible to figure out the rack and shelving which you will require. It is important to note that drive-on racking systems will be good when wanting to store items classified as bulk. These are not good for products with high selectivity. When looking at selective pallet racking, this is better for storing a large inventory of varying products and in small quantities. Your budget All businesses and departments possess a budget that has to be followed. The warehouse is no exception to this. You need to keep in mind how much the pallet rack will cost the company. Expenses get divided into three areas, i.e., the storage system, design, as well as installation. You may want to get the low-priced merchandise so that money can be saved. However, you need to be conscious of buying these and not looking at quality. It is better to consider pallet racks which are available at competitive prices instead of getting cheaper ones. Investing in good pallet racks can be cost-effective as you will not have to replace these often. You can have a look at second-hand Dexion pallet racking. If you are on a budget consider buying from a good brand and an excellent-quality second-hand product. Consider adaptability When a business grows, its storage requirements increase also. a business may create new products that they want to sell. The pallet racks should adapt to alterations to handle whatever changes occur. It is better to select storage racks that can be adjusted when slight alterations and major changes to the present system occur. Durability A collapsing pallet rack claims to be a major cause of warehouse accidents. People can get debilitating injuries or damage to merchandise. You can stop these issues from occurring by selecting durable as well as robust pallet racks. The storage system must be able to handle bumps. Look at the weight capacity of shelves which are chosen. Warehouse management is important for any business. This can impact how successful the daily activities are. Select a good pallet racking system which will keep your merchandise safe.
The Ellen Terry building, a former cinema in the heart of Coventry University’s city centre campus, is to be given an internal transformation by refurbishment specialist Overbury. The art deco building which has been a characteristic feature of Coventry’s city centre landscape since 1880 is now the home of the media and performing arts courses at Coventry University, and is named after Dame Ellen Terry, a star of the Victorian age and one of the leading Shakespearian actresses of her time. The university and Overbury plan to breathe new life into the building’s specialist facilities, remodelling and upgrading its theatre and performance changing rooms as well as its teaching areas, taking the building’s utility and flexibility to the next level. The investment is part of Coventry University’s commitment to seek to create world-class environments to maximise the quality of the student, teaching and learning experiences and spaces it has to offer. The Ellen Terry building boasts a range of versatile features including a music studio, computer suites, darkrooms and performance spaces, all tailored to the needs of those studying courses linked to photography, performing arts, media, film-making, popular music and more. Overbury will be working alongside architects at Robothams, project managers and quantity surveyors at Gardiner & Theobald and mechanical and engineering consultants at Stuart Turner to deliver the internal transformation. The refurbishment is the latest project in a long-standing relationship between Coventry University and Overbury, which has seen large-scale refurbishments at the Sir William Lyons Building, the Whitefriars Building and the Richard Crossman Building in the past. Work is due to start in February and is expected to take 10 weeks to complete. Dr Shaun Hides, Academic Dean of Coventry University’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities, said: “This is another fine example of the university’s investment in our faculty’s infrastructure and our commitment to providing excellent learning spaces for our students to take advantage of. “We’re delighted with the ambition and support the university is showing through this development, which is a key part in the major investment in our faculty’s future. Together, these projects will take our Arts and Humanities facilities to the next level, giving our students access to innovative spaces that will support distinctive and truly cutting-edge approaches to creative and collaborative learning.” Penny Mitchell, Business Development Manager for Overbury, said: “Over the last few years Overbury has built a strong and successful relationship with Coventry University and we’re committed to building on this partnership by delivering to the highest standard. “It’s inspiring to see Coventry University commit to investing in its buildings during a global pandemic, to ensure its students can access the best facilities possible in a safe and secure environment. Just like the rest of the world, the university is adapting and placing wellbeing and student experience at the heart of its spaces. “We’re working alongside our partners using additional measures to ensure our work can be completed safely within the pandemic and are looking forward to seeing the project come to life.” Find out more about this project and Overbury by going to www.overbury.com