Kenneth Booth

HS2 seeks switches and crossing suppliers for £150m contract

HS2 Ltd today began the search for suppliers to provide switches and crossings for the 280km of new high-speed track between London, Birmingham and the connection with the existing west coast mainline at Crewe. The contract – worth up to £156m – will include the design, manufacture and delivery of

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Network Homes to build 149 affordable homes in Northolt

Network Homes is planning to build much needed affordable homes on unused land in Northolt. A total of 149 homes will be built at Dabbs Hill near to Northolt High School with 118 apartments and 31 family sized houses. All will be affordable with 131 homes for shared ownership and

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Do Driveway Decking Floor Add Value to Your Home?

Picking a home renovation project that can add value to your home can be challenging. For instance, some homeowners may be in a dilemma as to whether they should reroof their house or remodel their bathroom. One of the most frequently-done home improvement projects is the addition or renovation of

Read More »

Which Home Improvements Add The Most Value?

Home improvement is very worthwhile because it adds value to properties and homes. Experts in the real estate sector, rate home improvement according to four criteria: bad, moderate/average, satisfactory, and outstanding. Before you begin a home improvement project, it may be necessary to consider if the project aims to improve

Read More »

How to Measure for a Replacement Toilet

At some point in time, you’ll need to replace your toilets. Whether because of wear and tear issues or because you simply want to renovate a bathroom, you may need to head to a home improvement store to pick out a new toilet But how do you get the right

Read More »

How Software Can Support a Growing Field Service Business

If you run a field service business that is in the process of growing, it is essential you use software to support your operations and decision making. Read on to find out more. The Advantages of Going Paperless By using software for a field service business, your company can evolve

Read More »

Can modular construction rebuild the UK’s high streets?

Why town planners should use modular construction for Towns Fund projects In September 2020, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick, announced the first part of the £3.6 billion Towns Fund. Over 100 towns in England will be given up to £1 million to rejuvenate their

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GODWIN AWARDED APPROVED SUPPLIER STATUS ON MAJOR NATIONAL DEVELOPER FRAMEWORK

UK RESIDENTIAL and commercial developer Godwin Developments has today (Tuesday 15 December) gained approved supplier status on Pagabo’s new national developer-led framework, worth £47 billion. The approval will enable Godwin to be directly appointed on developments or bid for contracts to deliver residential schemes such as housing, student, and multifamily

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Latest Issue
Issue 343 : Aug 2026

Kenneth Booth

HS2 seeks switches and crossing suppliers for £150m contract

HS2 Ltd today began the search for suppliers to provide switches and crossings for the 280km of new high-speed track between London, Birmingham and the connection with the existing west coast mainline at Crewe. The contract – worth up to £156m – will include the design, manufacture and delivery of around 180 switches and crossings for Phase 1 and 2a of the project, with options to extend for further equipment to cover Crewe to Manchester in phase 2b as well as the  maintenance depots. Designed to operate smoothly, reliably and safely at speeds of up to 360km/h and diverging speeds up to 230km/h, the switches and crossings will be a vital component of the HS2 track systems. The contract also includes around 77 rail expansion devices for track on viaducts and bridges. HS2 Ltd is running a separate procurement process to award four Track Systems contracts for the design and installation of the track and coordination of construction logistics. This will also include integration and installation of the switches and crossings. HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole, said: “The switches and crossings supplier will play a vital role in delivering the high-tech rail systems that will allow HS2 to run some of the world’s most reliable, fast and efficient high speed trains. “The launch of this new procurement contest is an important step towards appointing all the suppliers who will deliver the rail systems once the main civils work is complete. HS2 already supports more than 13,000 jobs across the UK and contracts like this will provide a real boost for employers across the supply chain, helping to support skills development and provide opportunities for years to come.” In order to reduce long term costs and improve performance, the track will be set onto concrete slabs instead of the ballast commonly used on the UK rail network. This approach – known as slab track – is commonly used on metro systems and some international high speed rail lines, and will allow for a higher frequency of service with reduced maintenance requirements. A contract to deliver the pre-cast slab track has recently been awarded to PORR UK Ltd which will see the slabs made at a new factory in Somerset. The news comes days after the launch of another, separate procurement completion for the station building systems for the Phase One stations. This framework contract – worth up to £47m – covers components and systems that will be common to all four stations. This includes: Public Address / Voice Alarm (PAVA); Fire Detection and Alarm System; Building Energy Management System (BEMS); Lighting Control System (LCS); Customer Information System (CIS); and Station Information Management System (SIMS). The Framework Supplier will also be expected to work collaboratively with HS2 Ltd and Phase One Station Contractors. A shortlist is expected to be announced in summer 2021 with contract award in early 2022. HS2 is running separate procurement competitions for the other elements of the rail systems, including overhead catenary, high voltage power supply, command and control systems, communications, mechanical and electrical systems, and the depot at Washwood Heath. Bidders for the switches and crossings contract are expected to be shortlisted in summer 2021, with the contracts to be awarded in 2022.

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Network Homes to build 149 affordable homes in Northolt

Network Homes is planning to build much needed affordable homes on unused land in Northolt. A total of 149 homes will be built at Dabbs Hill near to Northolt High School with 118 apartments and 31 family sized houses. All will be affordable with 131 homes for shared ownership and 18 for London Affordable Rent. Network completed the purchase of the site on Friday 4 December.  The land has been unused for 15 years and it’s planned that the money raised from the sale will go towards supporting the construction of a new building for Northolt High School. The site has excellent transport links being near Northolt tube station with access to Central London and close to shops and supermarkets. The development is the latest investment in the borough of Ealing with the completion of the £100million regeneration of nearby Rectory Park in August and new developments in Southall. David Gooch, Network Homes Executive Director of Development, said: “We’re really pleased to be continuing our significant investment in the borough with exciting plan to develop this unused land into much need affordable homes for local people.” Howarth Contractors Ltd, the contracting arm of Howarth Homes Plc as the main contractor. Ben Searle, Howarth Homes’ Managing Director, said “We have been working on this development, in conjunction with Northolt High School and Network Homes for a number of years, to gain planning for a fully affordable scheme, together with the land payment, which will be contributing to much needed new school facilities. We will be starting on site early in 2021 and look forward to delivering more quality housing in another London borough with Network”

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Kite Packaging launch plastic free bottle protection for a wide range of fragile items

The employee-owned packaging business has 7 sites located around the UK and have always focused on bringing innovative solutions to market. Their latest two product launches involve plastic free bottle protectors, both 100% recyclable and biodegradable, they make the perfect solution for protecting delicate items. Flexi-Hex With its unique patented honeycomb design, Flexi-Hex is a great alternative to plastic and other protective packaging solutions such as polystyrene, and is much more cost-effective than other paper solutions such as ‘pulp‘ packaging. Extremely strong and adaptable, it is suitable for glass, bottles, homewares, ceramics and much more. Simply place between the two-honeycomb structures and use in conjunction with Kites single wall outer box for ultimate protection during transit. Corrugated sleeving Designed to mould itself around a variety of shapes, our 100% recyclable and biodegradable corrugated sleeving is suitable to protect a wide range of products, from glass, bottles, ceramics, jars, homeware and much more. Moisture resistant, adaptable, and extremely easy to use they are a great lightweight plastic free alternative. Simply place in-between the cylinder shape structure and use in conjunction with Kites tailor-made postal boxes, for added protection during transit fill any voids with Kites paper bubble or SpeedMan paper. For more information on Kite packaging please visit kitepackaging.co.uk.

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Do Driveway Decking Floor Add Value to Your Home?

Picking a home renovation project that can add value to your home can be challenging. For instance, some homeowners may be in a dilemma as to whether they should reroof their house or remodel their bathroom. One of the most frequently-done home improvement projects is the addition or renovation of a driveway decking floor to serve as a place to spend leisure time with loved ones or host a family gathering.  Also, building a decking floor can increase the home’s resale value and aesthetics.  There are many types of decking materials. The major types include the composite deck, vinyl and timber wood. In the UK many companies like Wicks UK, Ultradecking UK, Timbertech etc. are offering different kinds of composite decking supplies. Why are companies investing in the decking industry? Does driveway decking flooring add any value to a home? What adds value to a home? ‘Now’ is always the best time to increase the value of your house. It shouldn’t always be when it is time to sell your house on the real estate market. There are several ways by which you can use to improve your home value. A popular way of home improvement is renovating and remodelling. Howbeit, there’s a caveat: Not every home remodelling or renovation project will boost the value of your home. One factor that is worth considering before renovating or remodelling your home is the cost. Ensure that your home improvement projects are not very exorbitant or too expensive. Addition of deck and garden, minor renovation of bathroom and kitchen updates will undoubtedly boost your house value.  A well-constructed decking floor will appeal to prospective home buyers. A good reason for building a deck is to earn high returns on investment. Since the addition of a decking floor is an affordable and easy project, there is always a high demand for decks in the real estate market. For instance, composite decks, known for its low-maintenance, durability and aesthetics, can tremendously increase your home’s value.  Does adding a deck add value to your home? The deck helps to extend the living space of every home. It serves as a conducive place for families and friends to get together have fun and relax. Decks also serve as a great place to host a large party or event, especially if your house interior is small.  A deck is a perfect place for you to grill a barbecue or roast some ribs during the summer, light an outdoor firepit or drink coffee while reading a novel. The interior of your house may not accommodate a lot of activities because of lack of space, but a deck can exist for that purpose.  Homebuyers tend to consider decks when picking a house. This is why decks are said to boost the resale value of any house.  How Home Resale Values Compare Based on Deck Material The deck material is an essential factor in finding out the cost recovery of your deck flooring project. The most popular types of deck materials are the composite and wood deck material.  Many hardware stores carry a variety of decking supplies, including lumber, fasteners, and decking boards. Many online retailers sell decking supplies. Buying online can be convenient if you cannot find what you need locally or are looking for a wider selection of products.  Wood Decks Wood decks are very affordable and are frequently used in many homes for outdoor flooring projects. The inexpensiveness of the material is one of the main reasons for its popularity as home sellers yearn to recoup their investment.  The most common type of wood for decking is pressure-treated pine. Other types of wood for decking include cedar, redwood, and tropical hardwood. Decking boards are typically available in 2-by-6 or 2-by-8-inch sizes. The size of the boards will affect the look and feel of your deck.  The different finishes for decking boards include stain, paint, or sealer. The finish will protect the wood from the elements and enhance the look of the deck. Moreover, decking boards are typically secured to the joists with screws or nails. It’s also essential to use the right type of fasteners for the type of wood for the deck. The fact remains that wood decks, though widely used, are inferior in quality. They are prone to damage due to inclement weather elements, pest attack and extreme temperature. Consequently, wood decks are high-maintenance and will require a lot of expenses in maintaining and retaining their beauty and value.  If you stay in an environment with a lot of storms, rainfall and blizzard, wood decks will not be best for your home. Wood decks are undesirable for regions with extreme weather condition or temperature. It might be best to consider a wood deck option if you are planning to put your home up for sale immediately when the home improvement project is finished.  Composite Decks Composite decks are of more superior quality, much higher than wood decks, and costlier too. Composite decks may cost about 10% more than their wood counterpart. The reason is that composite materials are more reliable, durable and resilient than other decking materials.  Composite decking has met widespread popularity in the real estate market. Composite decks are impervious to harsh weather conditions and fluctuating temperature. They are low-maintenance and very easy to clean. These features have made composite decks more appealing to many homeowners.  Composite decks also have the benefit of durability, resilience and strength. They can last for decades. Hence, composite decking is the best decking material to raise the resale value of your home. Composite decks are eco-friendly because they are made from recycled materials. Homeowners can tidy up the composite deck with a simple mixture of dish soap and water. Avoid harsh cleaning agents, as they can damage the surface of the composite deck. Conclusion A driveway decking floor adds value to your home. Homeowners can choose from wood or composite decking material. Don’t hesitate to ask for a decking expert’s help to determine the best material, design, and time

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Which Home Improvements Add The Most Value?

Home improvement is very worthwhile because it adds value to properties and homes. Experts in the real estate sector, rate home improvement according to four criteria: bad, moderate/average, satisfactory, and outstanding. Before you begin a home improvement project, it may be necessary to consider if the project aims to improve your home to a ‘satisfactory’ condition and what it will achieve in terms of value increment.  Home improvements do not just revolve around property resale, and it can also enhance your family’s quality of life, comfort and enjoyment of your house (even if you don’t plan to move anytime soon). One fact you must not forget is that not every home improvement project will ultimately lead to a boost in your property resale value. This means you may not recover the investment cost of some home improvement projects.  So, here are some home improvements that can significantly boost the value of your house.  Outdoor living space/ deck A home’s outdoor space is a place to share beautiful moments with loved ones. From grilling barbeque to relaxing while watching kids play, it can significantly improve your home’s value.  It greatly improves the beauty of your home’s exterior as it comes in a wide assortment of styles and colours. For a more appealing effect, you can grow gardens or add decorative lights to improve your home’s ambience.  Consider using a decking material of superior quality, such as composite. It is resistant to extreme heat, moisture and wind. It is also eco-friendly, durable and affordable. Composite decking materials are designed for long-term enjoyment without the frustration of routine maintenance.  Kitchen  Kitchen remodelling and updates will definitely improve the value of your home. According to real estate analysts, kitchen remodelling can increase your home value by up to 60%. Start by making simple but highly essential updates because buyers yearn for kitchens with modern facilities.  Ensure you change the faucets if they need replacement. Also, energy-efficient, modern lights are better than retro or old ceiling bulbs. You can also add cabinets and hardware to transform the appearance of your kitchen. Consider adding fresh paint to your kitchen or tiling the wall to instil a contemporary style to your kitchen.  Bathroom  Bathroom improvement or update is an important project that is known to boost the resale value of properties. Here are some tips to help remodel your bathroom on a budget:  The most effective solution to improving your bathroom appearance is by cladding the wall. The bathroom is a moisture-ridden area, prone to mildew and mould, which can ruin a paint job. Today’s cladding panel materials are resistant to humidity, moisture and mould. They can significantly improve your bathroom’s aesthetics. Ensure you replace the lighting, faucet, showerhead, racks and drawers. They can add beauty to your bathroom.  You can deep clean your bathroom by removing grime, grout and dirt. This will freshen up the appearance of your bathroom. You can also use caulk and grout.  The cabinet door will also need to be repainted. You replace old accessories such as the tissue paper holder and toilet bars. This is a cheap and quick way of updating your bathroom.  Fence A fence adorns a home, especially when it has a decorative finish. It significantly adds value to every home, and buyers love it. It instils privacy and enhances the security of your property’s perimeter. From intrusive or prying neighbours to unwelcomed salespeople, a fence will restrict their access to your home. It also improves the safety of your kids and pets.  Fences also improve curb appeal and improve the aesthetics of the house. It is also important for landscaping and beautifies your garden. Fencing materials are also worth your consideration, as you wouldn’t want a fence that is high-maintenance and quick to rot, rust or splinter. This is why the composite fence is the most preferred fencing option for your property. The composite fence has excellent aesthetics, excellent rigidity and resilience to harsh climate conditions, superior strength and low-maintenance features.  Roof New roofing allows you to cut cooling costs while improving curb appeal and resale value. Often overlooked, new roofs can positively add to the beauty of a home. Most premium roofs are designed to lessen cooling costs because they can reflect solar heat significantly. The roof also happens to be the most easy-to-see feature to homebuyers. Poor roofing condition can cause serious drainage issues. 

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How to Measure for a Replacement Toilet

At some point in time, you’ll need to replace your toilets. Whether because of wear and tear issues or because you simply want to renovate a bathroom, you may need to head to a home improvement store to pick out a new toilet But how do you get the right replacement toilet when the time comes? Your first order of business is to take and to record accurate measurements. The last thing you’ll want to do is buy a new toilet that doesn’t fit the space intended for it in your home. Here’s a look at 3 measurements you need to get right if you want your new toilet to fit perfectly. Height of Tank You’ll need to measure the height of the tank. In order to do so, take a tape measure and measure from the floor in your bathroom to the top of your tank. The top of your tank refers to the top of the lid covering your tank. Once you get the measurement, jot it down on a piece of paper. One thing to keep in mind is that you could get a taller tank if there are no obstructions that would jeopardize this plan. So when you require the measurement for the height of the tank, you could potentially make a note detailing the maximum height your bathroom can accommodate. Depth of Toilet Do you currently have an oval toilet bowl or a round toilet bowl? On the one hand, round bowls and toilet seats are more compact and are especially useful in smaller bathrooms. On the other hand, oval bowls and seats have more surface area and are, therefore, more comfortable. Whichever type of bowl and seat you have at present, you will measure them using the same method to find out the toilet depth. Here’s what to do: Take your tape measure and determine the distance from the back of the toilet tank to the front edge of your toilet bowl.  Depending on how much room you have for a toilet in your bathroom, you could either buy a new toilet that more or less matches the depth of your existing toilet or find one that has a shorter length. Rough-in Considerations Take your tape measure and measure the distance from the wall behind your toilet tank to the center of the bolt caps. In instances where there are four bolt caps fastening your toilet to the bathroom floor, measure up to the pair of bolt caps at the rear. Head to Home Improvement Shop After you’ve recorded the measurements you’ll need, head to a retailer with measurements in hand. You’ll find it a lot easier to find a new toilet that will fit both the space and the rough-in section in your bathroom. DIY or Hire a Licensed Plumber? While some DIY types put in their own toilets, it’s important that you honestly assess your skillset before taking on such a project. Improper installation can lead to leaks that can cause serious problems. It can be well worth your while to hire a licensed plumber who will ensure the job is done the right way the first time around. 

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How Software Can Support a Growing Field Service Business

If you run a field service business that is in the process of growing, it is essential you use software to support your operations and decision making. Read on to find out more. The Advantages of Going Paperless By using software for a field service business, your company can evolve to entirely paperless operations. By transferring from a paper system to a software solution, you have the tools to: ·       Provide electronic invoicing. ·       Store data in the cloud online, so it can be accessed anytime and anywhere by anyone who has permission. ·       Capture information in pre-formatted and photo-enriched forms to help avoid errors. ·       Use instant messaging services to ensure all field teams and service centre staff are connected. ·       Save costs on things like paper, ink cartridges, printers, and photocopiers. Software Helps to Provide Accurate Estimates Pen and paper or spreadsheets are still commonly used by field service businesses like electrical contracting companies to come up with estimates. But manually estimating the cost of jobs is an inefficient way to work compared to using a software solution for electrical bidding and other field service bids. Manually estimating costs can lead to all kinds of issues. Most importantly, it can lead to services being priced incorrectly. With the right software, field service businesses have a system that gives them a precise overview of the time, expenses, and margins for every specific job, ensuring that accurate estimates can be given. It’s 2024. It’s time for contractors to update their tech. Quality FSM software and a device like a smartphone or tablet are all you need to do anything business-related on the fly. Aside from the work itself, of course. Software Helps to Solve Scheduling Problems One of the biggest logistical problems field service technicians and dispatchers encounter is scheduling issues. Scheduling challenges can become even more problematic as a field service company grows. Manually tracking where technicians are and where they have been can be difficult. But software alleviates that problem. The best field service business software provides accurate scheduling tools and can alert technicians in the field instantly. Most software also enables you to optimise appointment bookings so that technicians can plan the best routes to jobs and notify customers if they are running late.   Software Enables Field Service Businesses to Respond in Real Time The best software enables your business to respond in real time, which means many of your operations can become more efficient. For example, software allows your company to: ·       Optimise travel times for technicians, meaning they can arrive faster and spend less time in traffic jams. ·       Optimise service times, due to the fact that technicians have access to online details about things like customer data and spare parts. ·       Optimise workloads of technicians, because the ability to work more efficiently in all areas enables technicians to perform more service calls each day. Benefits like those above enable field service businesses to increase their productivity, and therefore, accelerate growth. Field Service Businesses Can Measure Growth with Industry-specific Data To grow a field service business, you need to be able to measure and track your company’s progress. To ensure you can do that, use a software solution where you can integrate your business parameters into the platform. Each business has its own specific Key Performance Indicators. After you have identified your specific KPIs, ensure your software can retrieve and analyse reliable field data for things like the number of service calls performed and the adherence to service legal agreements. Software Can Improve Customer Satisfaction If you want your field service business to grow, you must continually provide customer satisfaction. If you have problems with factors like schedules, timekeeping, and accounts, your customer satisfaction rates will soon drop. But as seen above, software solutions can help you avoid such issues. By utilising the right software solutions, your business will have all it needs to improve its performance and increase its productivity; both of which will help to foster business growth.

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Can modular construction rebuild the UK’s high streets?

Why town planners should use modular construction for Towns Fund projects In September 2020, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick, announced the first part of the £3.6 billion Towns Fund. Over 100 towns in England will be given up to £1 million to rejuvenate their centres. Town planners should use the money strategically to make as much of a positive impact on the area as possible. Here, Nick Cowley, managing director of uPVC windows supplier Euramax, explores why modular construction should be part of this strategy. The initial £80 million investment into the UK’s towns will be used for various projects, including pedestrianising streets, creating green spaces and redeveloping high street units. When rebuilding high streets, town planners should consider the increasingly popular methods of modular construction (MMC). MMC involves manufacturing individual parts of a building in an offsite facility and transporting them to the site in a completed state. When building in busy areas like town centres, work needs to be carried out efficiently to achieve sustainable and durable results, with minimal disruption to residents. MMC offers planners a perfect solution to build back commercial areas thanks to its speed, safety and sustainability. Faster completion MMC can be carried out between 30 and 50 per cent quicker than traditional methods. By taking a manufacturing-style approach to construction, identical components can be made repeatedly in an automated factory environment. Typically, two eight-hour shifts are undertaken each day — more than would be achieved onsite — which increases output. Once individual parts have been manufactured, the indoor construction process can begin. According to a 2019 report conducted by McKinsey & Company, a team of five workers can assemble up to six 3D modules per day. Module assembly can be carried out at the same time as the onsite foundation work, which adds to the speed of modular construction. Fast completion is beneficial to town planners because it reduces the time that access to the developing area is limited. This allows planners to mitigate the impact of the project on residents, ensuring noise pollution and blockages on roads and footpaths are kept to a minimum. Increased safety Guaranteeing safety when using traditional building techniques can be complicated:  numerous tradespeople need to be coordinated in a small construction area, in potentially harsh weather conditions. In contrast, elements of a modular building such as electrics, plumbing and uPVC windows and doors can be fitted in a factory setting, improving control over the process. Safety requirements can be met with ease and weather conditions have no impact on the quality of construction. As construction workers complete the bulk of the project indoors, less time is spent in a potentially dangerous, open-air environment. MMC also reduces the risk to the public because it moves around 80 per cent of construction offsite. This is particularly important in busy towns: the more potentially hazardous work that is done in a controlled offsite facility, the less of a danger the project is to the public. Lasting sustainability Modular construction is more sustainable than traditional building methods because it requires less transportation. Entire modules are constructed in one location, which reduces deliveries by up to 90 per cent, lowering the industry’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The pre-fabricated approach to construction also allows for more thermally efficient builds. Constructing modules in a controlled environment allows workers to seal joints, install insulation and minimise thermal bridging more accurately, which can reduce operational costs by around 20 per cent. Town planners can also select components that are certain to improve energy efficiency. Windows and doors are typically some of the biggest culprits of heat loss, so it’s important to work with a reliable manufacturer to deliver project success. Euramax offers a wide range of energy efficient uPVC windows and uPVC doors that come with a ten-year guarantee, which can be manufactured and fitted offsite, making them an ideal partner for energy efficient builds. Rejuvenating town centres is key to driving local economic growth and maintaining a sense of community. Using MMC can help planners build quickly and safely without sacrificing sustainability, restoring their towns’ spark.

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HENLEY USES MMC TO FINISH BRENT TOWN HALL – DELIVERING 248 NEW HOMES FOR NOTTING HILL GENESIS

Henley Construct, a division of the Henley Homes Group, has completed the transformation of a former council office site in Wembley, handing over much needed affordable housing to Notting Hill Genesis. The developer has delivered 248 new apartments of affordable and private sale homes to the housing association, alongside circa 6,000 sq. ft of retail space to include a Sainsbury’s Local. The apartments, retail space and landscaped public plaza sit on the 1.9 acre site which was home to the outdated 1960’s council building, known as Brent House. The mixed-use development includes two linear buildings of five principle blocks ranging from seven to 10 storeys high. Henley Construct, a division of Henley, applied modern construction solutions for the scheme utilising DfMA principles for efficiency by building steel frames off-site in its own lightweight steel factory, Intelligent Steel Solutions. By controlling up to 40% of its supply chain, Henley favour the use of light weight steel frames its own developments as well as for its clients, including the social housing sector, due to efficient costs and tighter delivery programmes, without compromising on design, quality and sustainability. By manufacturing off-site, Henley aims to reduce its carbon footprint by minimising site waste removals, reducing traffic movements and using recyclable materials in construction.  Aaron Usmani, Director of Construction at Henley, comments: “Thanks to significant time and cost efficiencies due to our in-house manufacturing capability, we were able to deliver precision engineered, high quality housing of varying tenures at scale and pace for Notting Hill Genesis. This ultimately reflects our ethos that everyone should have access to quality housing, regardless of whether they are renting or buying.” “We are proud of what we have delivered at Brent House, which introduces a positive change to the immediate vicinity of the site, enhancing the character and wider regeneration of Wembley.”

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GODWIN AWARDED APPROVED SUPPLIER STATUS ON MAJOR NATIONAL DEVELOPER FRAMEWORK

UK RESIDENTIAL and commercial developer Godwin Developments has today (Tuesday 15 December) gained approved supplier status on Pagabo’s new national developer-led framework, worth £47 billion. The approval will enable Godwin to be directly appointed on developments or bid for contracts to deliver residential schemes such as housing, student, and multifamily schemes, as well as senior living projects. The EU-compliant framework, which will run for five and a half years, will assist Godwin in partnering with public sector organisations through single site development agreements valued between £20m and £40m across London, South West, East of England, East and West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber, North West and North East England. In addition, the business will also be eligible to cover projects worth up to £40m in London, South East, Midlands and North of England, delivered through either special purpose vehicles, joint ventures, LLP or other corporate structures. Acting on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, the Pagabo framework will cover a range of developer-led schemes within the construction industry and is open to all public sector bodies including schools, universities, local authorities, police and emergency services, NHS organisations, health and social care providers and housing associations, as well as central government departments and the Ministry of Defence. The business secured a place on the framework after a rigorous OJEU compliant tender process, covering relevant experience, financial suitability as well as contribution to social value and technology implementation. Lindsay McCombe, senior development director at Godwin Developments, said: “We are really proud to have been awarded a place onto this prestigious national framework. As an established UK developer with credentials across the residential and commercial sectors, we bring over 20 years of experience in property – from identifying sites through to design, planning permission and full build – and have a solid track record in both single-site schemes as well as projects delivered via SPVs, LLPs or joint ventures. “We are also passionate about enhancing local communities by attracting investment and creating homes and jobs, improving public realm, skills and opportunities, growing infrastructure and the provision of affordable homes. Similar to the UK government, we see construction and support for the public sector as a key component of recovery and long-term prosperity. We look forward to working with procurement departments in our appointed regions to realise their regeneration programmes.” Jason Stapley, managing director at Pagabo, said: “With all our frameworks we aim to simplify the whole procurement process, ensure flexibility and provide greater choice for clients, all packaged up with OJEU compliance – our developer-led framework is no different in that respect. It will allow developers the ability to procure works through a compliant and simple to use framework and help the public sector with vital expansion plans, creating an overall more robust sector.  “We’ve been absolutely blown away by the response we’ve had in this tender process and are really pleased to be bringing a unique procurement offering to market with such a strong set of companies.”  Stuart Pratt, group development director at Godwin Developments, said: “It is fantastic to be concluding 2020 with news of our appointment to the Pagabo framework. Today’s award is an acknowledgement of our growing national capability, strong in-house team and exceptional advisory board – all of which will be able to support public sector teams across the country as they seek to improve infrastructure and services across their towns and cities. “I would also like to thank Pagabo for providing us with the opportunity to be a part of their programme, and we look forward to working closely with their teams over the next five years and beyond.” For further information on Godwin Developments visit www.godwindevelopments.co.uk    

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