Turkey has emerged as one of the world’s capital when it comes to hair transplant clinics. To get an idea of just how true this is, think about this for a moment; around 5,000 patients arrive in Turkey each month to visit a hair transplant clinic. Reasonable Prices for
The summer, at all times when the temperatures tend to rise, is associated with the greatest number of tire blowouts. This seems to be related to the fact that during those months people tend to drive longer and faster, and also when their vehicles tend to be carrying heavier loads.
Bolton Council has agreed a deal with social impact developer CAPITAL&CENTRIC – the stars of BBC2 documentary Manctopia – to redevelop the former market precinct in Farnworth town centre. The plans will see the site transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use community based on the developer’s neighbourhood housing concept. It will
Two of the most active commercial property companies in the north of England, Sterling Capitol and PLP, have entered into an agreement to deliver a 100-acre development in south Leeds. The development, which will be an extension of Sterling Capitol’s Capitol Park Leeds, by Junction 28 of the M62, has
Robertson Construction has been appointed by Babcock, the Aerospace and Defence company, to deliver its new Assembly Hall at Rosyth. The £31.5 million facility will initially be used for Babcock’s Type 31 Programme for the delivery of the five General Purpose Type 31 Frigates and has been designed to enable
Stretton Property Group secures outline planning consent Stretton Property Group has successfully secured outline planning consent for over 720,000 sq ft of prime industrial opportunities at Interchange Park, J1 of the M18 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. The development has the capacity to create over 1,000 regional jobs. The planning consent
A BRAND-NEW purpose-built central operational services depot has started on site in Lincolnshire, with principal contractor Henry Boot Construction Limited putting the first spade in the ground. The £5m depot, located near Caenby Corner, will secure the future of waste collection and street cleansing services in the West Lindsey District Council area and has been designed with everyday operations and visitors in mind. It includes a parking area for fleet, storage buildings, wash facilities, visitor parking and main operations building,
A group of students at The Manchester College’s Industry Excellence Academy for Construction & Engineering are helping to build part of their own campus thanks to an Industry placement scheme with Caddick Construction. Forming part of the College’s blueprint for the new T Level qualification, students studying on The Manchester
Catalyst is now working on all four phases of the development that will deliver a total of 270 new affordable homes on the former NHS site of Littlemore Park in Oxford. Catalyst will deliver 102 homes in late 2021 through phase one of the development, and a further 168 homes
Staffordshire-based balustrade specialists SMART Balustrades is reflecting on a successful year as it records its highest output levels to date and sets sights on further growth in 2021. Family business SMART Balustrades specialises in the fitting and manufacturing of bespoke glass and stainless-steel balustrades, Juliet and platform balconies, and handrails
Turkey has emerged as one of the world’s capital when it comes to hair transplant clinics. To get an idea of just how true this is, think about this for a moment; around 5,000 patients arrive in Turkey each month to visit a hair transplant clinic. Reasonable Prices for the Surgery Perhaps the most well-known thing about hair transplant in Turkey is the low cost compared to other countries where the procedure costs an arm and a leg. While a hair transplant’s price is about anything from $4,000 to $15,000 in most developed countries, the same procedure done in Turkey using the same technology and equipment costs a fraction of that amount! When you have hair transplant services in Turkey, you are sure to stay within your budget. You can get the best hair transplant services depending on the amount of hair to be transplanted. It will cost you a minimal fee of from $1,500 to $4,000, giving you extra cash to use on other things. The cost includes many other things related to the surgery, such as hotel, transfer fee, the doctor, and the nurse fee. Look keenly at the clinic’s package; you can get the best value for money. Bundling is not a strong suit for other hair transplant destinations. Many Hair Transplant High-class Facilities There is a saying that competition breeds quality. Well, Turkey and in particular Istanbul has many world-class facilities where any patients in need of a hair transplant can go to and get their hair restored. That far gives a person more choice if they choose to have a hair transplant in Turkey rather than any other country. The choice means you can negotiate on many things that you feel are necessary before the hair transplant. It also means you do not have to use a service provider that you do not like. Do your research and make a choice. An Abundance of Hair Transplant Surgeons What would so many hair transplant clinics be to you if you were not receiving the best service? If you choose to be in turkey, you can bank on the high number of professionals in hair transplant to know that you are enjoying the best services not only in Turkey but the world. Because of the high number of physicians, Turkey is regarded as the hair transplant leader, as the US is considered the leader in cosmetic surgery. Every hair graft procedure is a team operation, and turkey has many doctors and nurses specializing in hair transplant. You can only expect the best service from the thousands of doctors and nurses in the country. With their large numbers, they have more seminars to improve skills and techniques. Travel to this beautiful country and experience the best hair grafting can offer. There will be no more waiting lines due to insufficient doctors. Advanced Medical Technology You have to contend that hair transplant is not a walk in the park, and only the best facilities can assure permanent natural-looking hair. Luckily, Turkey has advanced in medical technology regarding hair transplant to ensure no regrets after medical surgery. You will have experts at all hair transplant technologies like FUE, FUT, and DHI (https://cosmeticium.com/dhi-hair-transplant/). The doctor will take you through all possible hair remedies like Laser light therapy, Hair replacement surgery, FUE, FUT, and DHI, and some prescription drugs like Propecia and Minoxidil so you can choose with all the fact on the table. Whatever choice you make, you are assured that doctor will do the treatment from Turkey with local facilities. Some countries promise heaven only to outsource everything. Government Support of Medical Tourism Turkey is among an elite group of countries that support medical tourism. The hair transplant industry has brought this great nation; it is no wonder it is part of the government plans. You can get a facility supported by the government, so they don strain on resources hence the low price. Because of the government support for medical tourism, Hair transplant clinics can help organize your travel at a lower cost the flight tickets. Once you are in Turkey, you can also consider visiting many historic and scenic sites. In Conclusion; Turkey is the undisputed capital of hair transplants; anyone who needs the best hair transplant services at a reasonable cost should put Turkey first on their list. Cosmeticium’s hair transplant in turkey is the best for all kind of cosmetic treatments. However, one must do proper research to get an accredited clinic with accredited doctors to make the most out of a hair transplant experience.
The summer, at all times when the temperatures tend to rise, is associated with the greatest number of tire blowouts. This seems to be related to the fact that during those months people tend to drive longer and faster, and also when their vehicles tend to be carrying heavier loads. Add to the mix tires that are not necessarily new, and you have the potential of a tire blowout. Other factors contributing to these accidents are insufficient air pressure and impacting obstacles on the road. Which are the main culprits of tire blowouts? Tires that are worn and in bad condition cause serious problems with: Drivability Braking Control of the vehicle What are the problems tires present as they wear down? Worn tires are really dangerous. That is why there are many different issues that can arise from tires that have seen better days, such as: Punctures The tread in tires protects the casing from being punctured. If it is worn down it is much easier for a sharp object to penetrate the tire. If this happens and you get a sudden blowout, you may lose control of the steering wheel and impact other vehicles around you. Hydroplaning When you drive over water such as when it’s raining or through potholes you can feel confident that your car will respond well because your tires have a nice tread that can grip the water and keep you straight on the road. If, on the other hand, your tires are worn, you may feel as if your car is sliding across the water in a phenomenon known as hydroplaning. And, as you are sliding, you may end up hitting other vehicles. Heat Buildup You should know that heat is a major enemy of rubber and an important factor in tire failure. This is because, when the tires wear down, there is less space for air to pass between the grooves of the tread to allow for the tires to cool and they end up heating up to the point where they become dangerous. Leaking Air As tires’ tread gets worn down, they are much more likely to lose air pressure through leaking air. This not only ends up affecting fuel economy, but it makes steering more difficult as well as braking. Is there anything you can do to ensure your tires are safe for driving and have a longer life? Disregarding your tires when it comes to car maintenance may have grave and unintended consequences. That is why it is so important for you to always place them in your to-do list when it comes to car maintenance. Keep these points in mind: Do not Drive with Underinflated Tires Air, after all, is what allows a tire to carry the weight of the vehicle and its cargo. If your tires do not have adequate tire pressure, the components that make up the tire flex beyond their defined limits. Without going into too many specific details, suffice it to say that they would react the same way as a wire hanger that has been bent out of shape too many times. The tires would eventually become so weak that they would end up failing. There is no need for you to be a tire expert to know how much air your tires need. The driver’s door usually shows you that exact information. Some new models even give you an alert when a tire is severely underinflated. If your car does not, please get in the habit of checking your tires’ pressure. Also, if for some reason you have to drive a long distance and realize you did so with an underinflated tire, have a professional take it off and check it before you drive again and tell you how much damage it suffered. It may be necessary for you to buy a new one. Beware of Potholes Potholes are a big enemy of tires, particularly those ultralow-profile ones. If you hit it hard enough, the internals of your tire can be cut or frayed. If the pothole manages to cut all the way through to the inside of the tire, you will have no other option but to buy a new tire. Don’t Overload Your Car Just because your vehicle has the capacity to carry stuff, it does not mean that the tires can do so. Carrying extra heavy loads and having underinflated tires is never a good combination. There is a number molded into the tire that informs you of the maximum weight it can carry, providing it is inflated to the maximum pressure. A Deadly Combination One of your tires might have hit a pothole with no immediate bad results, but an undetected slow leak might be doing its job on it. You may have noticed your car leaning towards one side and done nothing about it or it may take you by surprise. But if you mix that situation with a car that is overloaded and carrying your children and a couple of friends, you may have a tire blowout in the middle of the highway to your destination. This and many other frightening scenarios can be associated with tires that blow out. Maybe your teenager borrowed the car and forgot to tell you about hitting a pothole or it could be that you forget to periodically check the tires’ pressure. Whatever the case, if you have a blowout on the road and can still control your steering wheel, try to maintain the car in your lane while pressing gently on the brake until the car almost stops. Then, gently move towards the shoulder and hopefully, you can stop there. Have you been in an accident where there was a tire blowout involved? If you need legal help because of an accident involving a tire blowout you should know that 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service. They have the legal professionals you need and will match you with a truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere
Bolton Council has agreed a deal with social impact developer CAPITAL&CENTRIC – the stars of BBC2 documentary Manctopia – to redevelop the former market precinct in Farnworth town centre. The plans will see the site transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use community based on the developer’s neighbourhood housing concept. It will include over 200 modern homes centred around a new public square for artisan markets, live events and more. The plans also include a new flexible space for community uses and events, with a village hall feel, which could host vintage fairs, art galleries, and pop up gin bars. It will also see a linear park and spaces for café-bars, delis, a mini-cinema, gym and co-working. Located on King Street in the heart of the town centre, the site is a short walk from the train station with easy access into Bolton and Manchester, and on the doorstep of the refurbished bus-station, making it an ideal location for commuters. Tim Heatley, co-founder of CAPITAL&CENTRIC said: “This is about rebooting and modernising the market town. By creating 200 new homes around the square, we’re bringing life, and spending power, back to the town centre, so it’ll have its own ecosystem. We’re looking to attract the region’s best artists, makers and indie operators to set up home here. “If you jump on a train you can be in Manchester in less than 20 minutes, so we see this rivalling the city centre with the same quality homes but affordable to more people from young professionals to downsizers. All surrounded by an incredible public square, plenty of trees and loads of places to hang out.” Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Martyn Cox, added: “It’s great to see such exciting development plans for Farnworth town centre. Capital & Centric have a fantastic track record of not just creating buildings but communities for people to live, work and socialise in, which is what is needed to transform Farnworth town centre and make it more vibrant, attractive for visitors and fit for the future.” Chair of the Farnworth steering group, Cllr Paul Sanders, said: “This is real progress and what we’ve been waiting for. The delivery of the key development proposals in the masterplan is vital for Farnworth and the plans proposed by Capital & Centric are welcomed. Our ambition is to rejuvenate the town centre and bring in new community facilities for our residents. We are looking forward to sharing the plans with Farnworthians, Kearsleyites and our partners.” Bolton Council has purchased the Market Precinct from St Modwen and entered into an agreement with CAPITAL&CENTRIC to progress the long-awaited redevelopment of this major site. CAPITAL&CENTRIC is planning to launch a public consultation on the plans, which are being designed by architects BDP, in the new year. This is CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s first project in Bolton, following other town centre schemes in Stockport and Rochdale being announced earlier this year. The developer is famed for its high quality and bold designs and focus on creating a positive social impact. Farnworth reached the second phase of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, a multi-million pound pot of cash set up to make high streets fit for the future. The council submitted a business case in June 2020 and is waiting to hear whether the £19m bid has been successful. The additional funds would help in the delivery of a number of key development projects identified in the Farnworth town centre masterplan. Farnworth is also one of Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham’s Town Centre challenge areas.
Two of the most active commercial property companies in the north of England, Sterling Capitol and PLP, have entered into an agreement to deliver a 100-acre development in south Leeds. The development, which will be an extension of Sterling Capitol’s Capitol Park Leeds, by Junction 28 of the M62, has the capacity to create 2,000 new and sustainable jobs. An outline planning application for the site is scheduled to be submitted to Leeds City Council next month. Mike Heydecke, director of Leeds-based Sterling Capitol, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with such an accomplished company as PLP. Their reputation for delivering high-quality and award-winning logistics developments is fully deserved and they are the ideal partner for high-profile projects. “Our joint skills as developers complement each other perfectly. We have worked hard to prepare the Leeds site for planning and PLP will drive the development forward, building high-spec industrial and logistics units which will attract quality occupiers. We are also looking forward to working with PLP on future projects across the north. “The Capitol Park site is a crucially important development for south Leeds, creating much-needed jobs and providing a timely boost to the area’s economy. The success of Capitol Park Leeds, adjacent to this new site, has proved that the location, just by the M62 and close to Yorkshire’s excellent motorway network, is a winner.” Keith Wilson, Development Director of PLP commented “We are delighted to have entered into an agreement with Sterling Capitol. They have a fantastic reputation for delivering large-scale developments and this partnership approach will give us the opportunity to help bring forward some of the best sites in the region. “We now look forward to developing out new prime industrial and logistics facilities at Capitol Park Leeds and in keeping with PLP’s sustainability commitment, all new speculative buildings here will be delivered to Carbon Net Zero standard which is already proving a key attraction for occupiers,” he added. Capitol Park Leeds is arguably the leading out-of-town business park in Leeds with premium occupiers including Barratt Homes, Hermes and NHS Shared Business Services. Sterling Capitol have also developed Capitol Park Barnsley and Capitol Park Goole, creating over 3,500 jobs. The company is also working with Strata Homes on the Barnsley West residential and commercial development by Junction 37 of the M1, which will create another 3,000 jobs. Meanwhile PLP, which was established in 2015, is a specialist UK logistics and industrial property business. The company acquires land and builds out prime industrial and logistics facilities, either speculatively or pre-let to blue-chip occupiers. It is extremely well-funded with a national remit and has recently made significant investments in the Yorkshire region where it is already developing and investing in four locations, either constructing or having completed six units in the last 12 months, ranging in sizes from 45,000 sq ft to over 500,000 sq ft, including the award-winning Bessemer Park development in Sheffield.
Robertson Construction has been appointed by Babcock, the Aerospace and Defence company, to deliver its new Assembly Hall at Rosyth. The £31.5 million facility will initially be used for Babcock’s Type 31 Programme for the delivery of the five General Purpose Type 31 Frigates and has been designed to enable two vessels to be assembled side by side. The 147m x 62m x 42m Assembly Hall will provide Babcock with productivity gains through improved access, digital connectivity, and protection from weather disruption. David Cairns, regional managing director, Robertson Construction – Central West, said: “This contract award further illustrates our capabilities in the Defence sector, and we are delighted to be working with Babcock. “Enabling works commenced in April and the main contract began in September. Phase one of piling is complete which enabled the steel structure to commence in mid-November, the facility will be completed in summer 2021 in order that Ship Assembly can commence. Throughout the Assembly Hall build we will be seeking to support local employment and spend where possible. We have already committed significant orders to local Scottish suppliers and created five new full-time roles which have been filled by members of the local community.” The facility will provide open space to enable Babcock effective and efficient work practices and interior gantry stair access will remove the need for scaffolding inside the building, enabling personnel to safely access the vessels without having to leave the building. Cairns, continues: “Babcock has cleverly applied lean thinking to the building which not only provides them with best value, but enables future proofing of the Assembly Hall.” Access to both the North and South of the facility for the clear flow of materials and ship sections is being accommodated through four Mega Doors which are 30m high and 25m wide with a demountable centre piece to create one large door if required. Two 125T gantry cranes will also be installed inside to assist with ship assembly, providing cover to the entire internal area. Derek Jones, Chief Executive, Babcock Marine Sector said: “It is great to see the progress being made across the programme as we put in place new infrastructure and technologies to support the build phase of these fantastic new frigates. I know the team are looking forward to working closely with Robertson Construction on the development of the new Assembly Hall. “The Type 31 programme is re-energising the UKs’ maritime capability through innovative, next generation, UK ship design and build. The infrastructure investment underway at Rosyth, builds on our exceptional heritage, experience and engineering insight, delivering a very real step change in capacity and capability for modern UK Shipbuilding.”
Stretton Property Group secures outline planning consent Stretton Property Group has successfully secured outline planning consent for over 720,000 sq ft of prime industrial opportunities at Interchange Park, J1 of the M18 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. The development has the capacity to create over 1,000 regional jobs. The planning consent granted to Stretton Property Group from Rotherham Council will bring forward a new logistics warehouse development to address chronic regional shortages of prime, Grade A industrial accommodation to meet the continued high levels of demand across the sector. Stretton has appointed the industrial agency teams at CBRE and M1 to market the scheme. The 40 acre site, located strategically at the tip of the M1/M18 triangle, has outline planning consent to deliver up to 720,000 sq ft of B2, B8 and E(g) employment space. The scheme can accommodate a range of Grade A industrial warehouse unit sizes, suitable to a variety of occupiers. The units will be designed to incorporate office accommodation and extensive parking. This development comes at a time where there is an acute lack of supply across the region and as a result, the scheme is expected to attract a mix of regional and national occupiers looking to be strategically located within Yorkshire. Mike Baugh, Senior Director of Industrial Agency at CBRE, said; “It’s fantastic news that Stretton Property Group has secured outline planning for Interchange Park. Yorkshire will represent around 30% of all the UK logistics take-up this year due to its appeal to a wide range of occupiers. As a result, we are experiencing severe shortages of big box supply in the region and Interchange Park is hitting the market at the right time to satisfy occupier demand. The site’s key location and the potential range of accommodation opportunities make the development an excellent choice for a wide variety of occupiers.” Edward Chantler, Group CEO at Stretton Property Group, said; “We are delighted to have secured consent to unlock this strategic, job creating site and to facilitate the delivery of much needed stock for the Yorkshire industrial market. The regional logistics sector continues to go from strength to strength and we are pleased to bring Interchange Park to the market to deliver a range of opportunities for occupiers in South Yorkshire.”
A BRAND-NEW purpose-built central operational services depot has started on site in Lincolnshire, with principal contractor Henry Boot Construction Limited putting the first spade in the ground. The £5m depot, located near Caenby Corner, will secure the future of waste collection and street cleansing services in the West Lindsey District Council area and has been designed with everyday operations and visitors in mind. It includes a parking area for fleet, storage buildings, wash facilities, visitor parking and main operations building, which has been positioned as a visual landmark from the A631. The contemporary two storey building – designed by Whittam Cox Architects – has feature brick, insulated aluminium panels and glazing in keeping with the surrounding buildings. It also features PV solar panels on the roof of the building. Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Councillor Owen Bierley, said: “We’re delighted to see work get underway at the new depot. This is a huge scheme for us – having one central facility will not only enable the current vital operational services to be carried out in a safe and efficient way but will also future proof the expanding district following the build of new homes in the coming years. “The current depot facilities opened in the 1970’s and are no longer fit for purpose. We are investing in the service area to ensure that our vitally important operational services continue to be delivered.” The new facility was given the green light in April via a virtual planning committee meeting and given unanimous cross-party support. Ady Selby, Assistant Director of Operational and Commercial Services, said: “The primary aim of the depot is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our staff, as well as delivering a top-quality facility that can accommodate any waste, cleansing or recycling service needs for the next 50 years. “Our award-winning services are high quality, sustainable and environmentally friendly and the new depot will help to increase our capability and high service standards across the district.” Ian Gresser, operations manager at Henry Boot Construction, said: “We are delighted to start work on the new services depot at Caenby Corner for West Lindsey District Council. We are working closely with Whittam Cox Architects, Waterman Group and with our dedicated supply chain to deliver a high-quality modern facility that will provide a vital service for the district.” Cllr Jeff Summers, ward member for Waddingham and Spital, added: “I’m really pleased to see work starting on the new operational services depot as this modern, centrally positioned facility will finally meet the Health and Safety needs of our very important staff and contribute to the operational efficiencies we need to achieve whilst taking this service forward. “This project, along with the council’s investment portfolio, crematorium, hotel in Gainsborough, a nil cost to the council leisure service, and a leisure facility for Market Rasen are all projects incubated during my six years as the Council Leader. A council achievement I am extremely proud of. The proposed plans are very impressive and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished building next year.” The facility will replace the existing sites at North Warren Road in Gainsborough and Gallamore Lane Industrial Estate in Market Rasen and is due to be completed in Autumn 2021. For more information visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk or follow @WestLindseyDC on Twitter.
A group of students at The Manchester College’s Industry Excellence Academy for Construction & Engineering are helping to build part of their own campus thanks to an Industry placement scheme with Caddick Construction. Forming part of the College’s blueprint for the new T Level qualification, students studying on The Manchester College Architectural & Construction Engineering (ACE) Scholarship programme are spending two days each week on Caddick’s live Openshaw campus construction site as part of their two-year studies. On completion, the students will gain a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and Built Environment, an industry and university-recognised qualification equivalent to three A Levels. They will also benefit from a range of bespoke, co-developed modules to help fill industry skills gaps identified by an employer consortium working with the College. Caddick Construction was awarded the contract to build the £25m teaching facility at The Manchester College’s Openshaw campus in September. They will continue to have students on site each week on a half termly rotation until the completion of the project. The students will undertake on-site supervised tasks working with site engineers and health & safety managers before delivering a project at the end of the six-week placement. The state of the art facility they are helping to build will feature a range of industry standard facilities, including a six court sports hall, outdoor pitch, gym and sports lab; a health suite with a hospital ward and infectious disease area for healthcare students; and brand new workshops for construction, mechanics and engineering students. Caddick Construction Framework Scholarship Manager, Michelle Swarbrick, said: “As a family business Caddick Construction has always championed industry placements as the ideal way to learn the right skills on the job and become part of a very experienced team. This partnership with The Manchester College is ideal for both parties as we know we are going to get committed students on site, and the students receive fantastic work experience on an exciting construction project that’s going to be an important part of the College’s future educational provision.” Caddick’s North West Managing Director Ian Threadgold added: “It is through these type of industry partnerships that the students get the best of both worlds in terms of hands-on work experience coupled with quality teaching and a recognised industry qualification. These students are the next generation for construction companies and we want to be part of preparing them for their future careers.” Chris Wright, Assistant Principal at The Manchester College added: “We are now working with a consortium of 10 of the largest and most influential Constructors in the North West to co-design and co-deliver our scholarship programmes. Students have a unique opportunity to work alongside industry experts at the cutting edge of construction technology on a weekly basis, amassing over 90 days of Industry Placement experience over the two years of the programme. “Partnering with Caddick on the College’s own construction campus development is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience work with modern methods of construction on the very workshops and classrooms they themselves will inhabit from September 2021. I’m really excited to be working with Caddick as part of our consortium and for the future of Technical Education as we move towards the introduction of T Levels in Construction from September 2021.” The Manchester College is the number one provider of 16-19 education in Greater Manchester and one of the largest Further Education colleges in the UK.
Catalyst is now working on all four phases of the development that will deliver a total of 270 new affordable homes on the former NHS site of Littlemore Park in Oxford. Catalyst will deliver 102 homes in late 2021 through phase one of the development, and a further 168 homes over the subsequent three phases. The project is due to complete in summer 2023 and is being delivered in partnership with Oxford City Council. Onsite delivery of Littlemore Park will be by contractor, Hill Partnerships. The development, which is 100% affordable, brings much-needed homes for social rent and shared ownership to the city. The area will include landscaped open space, natural play equipment and public art. Catalyst purchased the site in 2016 from the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, and to reflect the site’s history and to support our healthcare workers, Catalyst will be giving NHS workers priority options to purchase a shared ownership home. The virtual launch event for the shared ownership homes is planned for January next year. Located on Armstrong Road, the development has been named Newman Place, after Saint John Henry Newman, with the name of each block of new homes also reflecting a notable person with connection to Littlemore, including Atwater House, Underwood House and Allin House. Philip Jenkins, Group Development Director at Catalyst, said: ‘I’m delighted with what our team have achieved so far at Littlemore Park. We have made considerable progress on phase one of the project, despite the challenges that the pandemic has presented this year. Starting work on the remaining three phases marks a key milestone in delivering this significant number of new homes to Oxford, and we’re proud to reflect the area’s rich history in the building names. Once complete, the development will bring much-needed new homes to the city and for our dedicated and highly-valued NHS workers.’ Visit Catalyst New Homes for more information on the shared ownership homes available.
Staffordshire-based balustrade specialists SMART Balustrades is reflecting on a successful year as it records its highest output levels to date and sets sights on further growth in 2021. Family business SMART Balustrades specialises in the fitting and manufacturing of bespoke glass and stainless-steel balustrades, Juliet and platform balconies, and handrails for the commercial and residential sectors. Recently named as the third fastest growing balustrades company in the UK by Plimsoll, the company reported record months in July, August and November this year, with turnover up 20% from 2019. After making a number of key hires earlier this year, the firm is now nine strong, with further plans to expand its team in the new year, as it continues to invest in the manufacturing side of the business. All of SMART Balustrades’ fabrication and assembly is done in-house at its Burntwood production facility and it has recently made a significant investment of £30,000 in a specialist tube drilling machine, which will accelerate production by up to five times. Despite the challenges of 2020, the business has remained strong; working in buoyant markets such as residential and education. Notable residential projects delivered by the firm this year include a balustrade scheme in Lewes, a platform balcony scheme in Luton and a roof terrace balustrades scheme in Bournemouth. The company is also working on a substantial project for national hotel brand Fairmont on its new Fairmont Windsor Park hotel, next to Windsor Great Park. Works include the installation of stainless steel and structural glass balustrades for the hotel’s stairways, terraces and spa areas. David Hough, managing director and co-founder of SMART Balustrades, said: “We couldn’t be happier ending this year with record results for our business. “Despite the pandemic, we’ve continued to adapt to the market, offering new products and services such as platform balconies as the demand for outdoor space increases. “Like most construction-based companies, installation slowed down due to uncertainty onsite, but once social distancing guidelines had been clarified and necessary safety measures were put in place we were back to normal levels of output. “It’s been a different year for everyone to say the least, but we look forward to continuing to learn and grow in 2021 and beyond.” Jonathan Hough, contracts director and co-founder, added: “Being up 20% with our year-on-year growth is an incredible achievement, especially in the current climate and we have ambitious growth plans for 2021 – with a target of 35% further growth. “Manufacturing remains a key part of our business, and next year we will continue to invest in our equipment and our team to increase efficiency and productivity. The tube drilling machine is a worthwhile investment and throughout 2020 we have invested in systems, accreditations and staff, to put ourselves ahead of the rest. “Thank you to our brilliant team who have been resilient throughout the year, and our clients who have continued to support us.” SMART Balustrades is part of the Unitech Group, and it designs and manufactures its products at Unitech Group’s 75,000 sq. ft. production facility in Burntwood, Staffordshire.