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Kenneth Booth

Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd Appoints Training Manager for Brickwork & Scaffolding Apprenticeships

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd (LMB) has appointed Christian Hatherall-Good as the company’s Training Manager. LMB currently offers both brickwork and scaffolding apprenticeships in order to bring the next generation of tradesmen into the construction industry. Christian, bringing 25 years of experience in construction and education, will be charged with developing LMB’s

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WorldGBC spotlights female leader driving Asia Pacific’s sustainable building movement

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) ‘Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building Awards’, showcases the businesses and innovators breaking ground for sustainable buildings. One of this year’s categories, Women in Green Building Leadership Award, celebrates the inspiring female leaders from the movement. Other awards categories include: The Business Leadership in

Read More »

GRAHAM underway with ‘world’s deepest nuclear clean-up’ at Dounreay

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

Construction and civil engineering specialist contractor GRAHAM is underway at a project to support the decommissioning and restoration of Dounreay, described as ‘the world’s deepest nuclear clean-up’. The Advance Transition Works Shaft & Silo Project (ATW S&S) are taking place at Dounreay in Caithness. The firm will be delivering the

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Mecalac unveils new transmission for MCR crawler skid excavators

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

The Mecalac 6MCR, 8MCR and 10MCR tracked skid excavators are now equipped with ‘Speed Control’ travel management system as standard.  This all-new feature allows the operator to set a maximum travel speed – regardless of engine speed. With 20 speeds available, the transmission essentially acts as a limiter, making it

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Glencar announces record breaking growth in latest trading statement.

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

Revenue for the latest trading period¹ grows significantly to £145m with over 50 new employees joining and a new office opened in Birmingham to serve key clients in the Midlands and North. Glencar, an expanding construction company specialising in the industrial, logistics, distribution, pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors has today announced

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Outsourcing cuts cladding fabrication costs by 50%

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

“Off the pallet, straight onto the wall” ethos saves time, cost and improves quality, says Vivalda survey Research undertaken by Vivalda Group, the UK’s largest supplier of non-combustible cladding, suggests that sub-contractors could reduce their fabrication costs by up to 50% by outsourcing the process. Vivalda contacted 15 specialist cladding

Read More »

Monaco architect Michel Desvigne’s transformative landscapes

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

Michel Desvigne, a highly regarded French landscape architect and respected Monaco architect, is known for his garden designs and his approach to urbanism. His gardens bring nature and a sense of calm to urban spaces. His love of gardens and landscapes were nurtured by his early work, as he and

Read More »

5 Tips to Hiring Waterproofing Services

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

If you notice that your basement or roof is wet, it is time to call a waterproof contractor. Since your home is your greatest asset, you must hire the best contractors to do the repairs. Finding the most reputable waterproofing company can be daunting, especially if you have never required

Read More »

£20m investment in Solihull high-rise homes

Kenneth Booth December 2, 2020

HIGH RISE RESIDENTS in north Solihull are set to benefit from a £20million investment in their homes. NFA member Solihull Community Housing (SCH), which manages 37 high rise buildings in the borough on behalf of Solihull Council, has announced the installation of sprinklers throughout the entire high-rise housing stock. In

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Latest Issue
Issue 345 : Oct 2026

Kenneth Booth

Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd Appoints Training Manager for Brickwork & Scaffolding Apprenticeships

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd (LMB) has appointed Christian Hatherall-Good as the company’s Training Manager. LMB currently offers both brickwork and scaffolding apprenticeships in order to bring the next generation of tradesmen into the construction industry. Christian, bringing 25 years of experience in construction and education, will be charged with developing LMB’s programme further and capitalising on the recent change in the pathway of apprenticeship funding that gives employers greater flexibility on delivering the training that they need. What sets LMB’s award winning programmes apart from others is a combination of behavioural coaching and up to the minute technical instruction. The training offered goes beyond current apprenticeship requirements with specialist modules focussing on modern methods of construction, fire safety and quality assurance. Based at their Head Office in Reading, he will be in charge of all LMB apprentices, mentoring and monitoring them throughout from the point of induction, to monitoring and delivering training, through to qualification.  LMB’s brickwork apprentices spend four days on site gaining real hands on experience and one day at College while apprentice scaffolders follow a more staged block release programme. Christian is currently looking after 26 brickwork and 9 scaffold apprentices, he has students working on sites such as Oval Village Vauxhall with Berkeley Homes and Chelsea Barracks for Multiplex.  Many of the company’s current apprentices are from Brooklands College where he worked for over 8 years as Head of Construction Curriculum and as a bricklaying tutor. But a key part of Christian’s role will be building relationships with other colleges and local authorities in order to identify new talent to join the LMB apprenticeship scheme. Christian, who holds a Professional Certificate in Education focused in Education from Greenwich University, will also oversee personal development and upskilling of LMB’s current operatives including identifying recent graduates of the apprenticeship programme that show managerial promise and encouraging them to take on more responsibility under the wing of an experienced site supervisor and are supported through their SSSTS and SMSTS for brickwork supervisors or their Advanced Scaffolder or CISRS Supervisor qualification for scaffolders. The next step for LMB will then be to open their own training centre that would be at the forefront of brickwork and scaffolding training in the UK. Christian is in the process of looking at funding and accreditation for this, watch this space! 

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WorldGBC spotlights female leader driving Asia Pacific’s sustainable building movement

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) ‘Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building Awards’, showcases the businesses and innovators breaking ground for sustainable buildings. One of this year’s categories, Women in Green Building Leadership Award, celebrates the inspiring female leaders from the movement. Other awards categories include: The Business Leadership in Sustainability Award presented to Cundall, and The Leadership in Sustainable Design and Performance Award presented to CoEvolve Northern Star by CoEvolve Estates, Chai Wan Campus for the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong by Ronald Lu & Partners, Paramit Factory in the Forest by Paramit Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and Special Recognition to Arthaland Century Pacific Tower by Arthaland Corporation. Women in Green Building Leadership Award In a traditionally male-dominated industry, the Women in Green Building Leadership Award represents a significant step to encourage women and diversity in leadership. WorldGBC recognises the increasingly important role that women have to play as sustainability champions and is proud that almost half of the CEOs from its 40 Established Green Building Councils are women. This award was designed with the support of WorldGBC’s regional partner, AkzoNobel. Ye Qing, winner of the Women in Green Building Leadership Award, is a renowned green building leader from China. She is acknowledged for her 20 years’ service as an ardent advocate for sustainability in the built environment. As President at the Shenzhen Institute of Building Research (IBR), Ye Qing has driven the design of over 60 million square metres of green buildings, and the planning of 6,000 square kilometres of green cities in China. In 2005, Ye Qing initiated Shared Design, a methodology to bring the project owner and design team together to ensure a balance between people, nature, buildings and cities. Shared Design has now been incorporated into national standards, following its proven impact. In 2019 Ye Qing also helped to develop the China Assessment Standard for Green Building. Ye Qing, said: “Women have a natural affinity with Green buildings. Green means nature and embodies our living world, our mother earth. Women are an icon for all life and love. With the symbiosis and sustainability in nature, women can instil the essence of love in the development of green building. So as global society recognises the importance of green buildings to protect our world, it is also a fitting platform for the promotion of diversity, gender equality and for women’s social status and career development”. Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building Awards 2020 The biennial event, first held in 2014, celebrates Asia Pacific’s brightest achievements towards a more sustainable built environment. An independent panel of high-profile judges assessed nominations from Asia Pacific Green Building Councils and selected winners in three awards categories:  The Women in Green Building Leadership Award The Business Leadership in Sustainability Award The Leadership in Sustainable Design and Performance Award (Residential, Institutional, Commercial) Other winners: Business Leadership in Sustainability Award  Winner: Cundall (Australia) – awarded for Cundall’s commitment to reducing its impact on the planet by developing a sustainability policy with impressive targets and action plans, from zero carbon energy to ethics and equity. David Clark, Director & Partner, Cundall:             “Climate change, health and wellbeing and the biodiversity crisis are just some challenges we face as a global society. Is there any moral alternative other than taking action? This humbling recognition is an opportunity to share our journey and highlight the initiatives we’ve implemented so far. If we can inspire others to embrace sustainable approaches, that would be the best result to come from winning the Business Leadership in Sustainability Award.” Leadership in Sustainable Design and Performance Award  (Residential) Winner: CoEvolve Northern Star by CoEvolve Estates (India) – the highest rated green building in the state of Karnataka. Spokesperson, CoEvolve: “It is a great honour to be recognized by the World Green Building Council. This is our second nomination after Asset Aura (2016). Our relentless efforts in building sustainable communities has been validated by this award. Sustainable living is not only the right way forward but THE ONLY way forward. We hope this recognition will motivate others to go green. CoEvolve Estates remains committed to a sustainable future.” (Institutional) Winner: Chai Wan Campus for the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) by Ronald Lu & Partners (Hong Kong) – a campus designed as a vertical community-centric green space. Spokesperson, Ronald Lu & Partners:             “We salute WorldGBC who recognises the THEi New Campus at ChaiWan as a new benchmark for high-density-low-carbon sustainable campus, and our client – the Vocational Training Council who is committed to such vision at the outset. The Campus is the making of a community for learning, innovation and knowledge creation, where urban climate is harnessed, sky-rise biodiversity is nurtured, social inclusiveness and wellness are fostered”. (Commercial) Winner: Paramit, Factory in the Forest by Paramit Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) – a case study of industrial biophilic design, integrating nature with complex climate-control systems. Spokesperson, Paramit: “Industrial Buildings conceived and oriented in ‘sustainable thinking’ will reduce operational cost, meet functional goals and uplift human spirits. Our mission was to urgently make this point in a rapidly developing region with hundreds of large factories coming up every year. This award helps us make that point and we are honored to have received it.” Special Recognition for Advancing Net Zero goes to Arthaland Corporation (Philippines) for its net zero carbon Arthaland Century Pacific Tower. Jaime C. González, Vice-Chairman and President, Arthaland Corporation: “As a real estate company fully committed to the development of green and sustainable properties, we are delighted that our efforts have been recognized. We are particularly proud of the Arthaland Century Pacific Tower, the first certified net zero carbon building in the Philippines. I wish the World Green Building Council – Asia Pacific Network and its members more power and thank you for this very much appreciated recognition.” Read more information about each winner.

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GRAHAM underway with ‘world’s deepest nuclear clean-up’ at Dounreay

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

Construction and civil engineering specialist contractor GRAHAM is underway at a project to support the decommissioning and restoration of Dounreay, described as ‘the world’s deepest nuclear clean-up’. The Advance Transition Works Shaft & Silo Project (ATW S&S) are taking place at Dounreay in Caithness. The firm will be delivering the Civils and Structural works on behalf of Nuvia, acting as sub-contractor and an influential partner on the scheme.  Background The Dounreay Shaft in Caithness was originally constructed in 1956 as a means of removing waste from the Dounreay site liquid effluent discharge tunnel excavation. The Shaft goes approximately 65m deep underground and was used to store radioactive waste until 1977. A connecting ‘stub’ tunnel linked the base of the Shaft to the effluent discharge tunnel. This was sealed in 1956 by the construction of a concrete plug to produce a water- tight seal, before the Shaft was then allowed to flood with groundwater. Disposals to the Shaft ended following an explosion occurred in May 1977 and the facility has been under care and surveillance ever since. Decommissioning and restoration Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL) is currently working to decommission and restore the site. Part of this Programme is the D3300 Project, to retrieve, process and package waste from the Shaft to render it suitable for long-term storage and future disposal. During the project, new headworks will be constructed over the Shaft that will contain remote handling equipment to retrieve the solid and sludge waste. GRAHAM’s project team will be delivering and supporting the following scope of works as part of the project: Establish secure Site Boundary and site accommodation – provision of hoarding, fencing and barriers around the construction areas and any site accommodation facilities. Facilitate safe (as low as reasonably practicable) and efficient (best practical means) access to D1225 to prepare for dismantling and breakout of the existing Shaft headworks (steel platform, concrete cover slab, concrete capping slab). Dismantling the existing D1225 enclosure and constructing an appropriate robust replacement facility. The replacement must fully integrate with D3300 (construction to follow later). Installing and protecting coordinated services diversions and replacements that will provide for continued interim functioning of D1225 and integrate with the future D3300. Installation of the D3300 Shaft Extension Module lower section (SEM 1). Accommodating the future constructability of D3300 Process Cell equipment and structures. Subsequent D3300 construction to be safeguarded from potential releases of radiation/contamination from the Shaft. Peder Andreasen, Contracts Manager for GRAHAM, said: “We’re excited to be beginning work at this hugely important project at this historic nuclear clean-up scheme. “Our nuclear sector expertise and safety critical approach will be vital in the delivery of the ATW S&S scheme and enable us to safely prepare the shaft headworks and provide a secure enclosure by undertaking these hazardous and challenging works.”

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Mecalac unveils new transmission for MCR crawler skid excavators

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

The Mecalac 6MCR, 8MCR and 10MCR tracked skid excavators are now equipped with ‘Speed Control’ travel management system as standard.  This all-new feature allows the operator to set a maximum travel speed – regardless of engine speed. With 20 speeds available, the transmission essentially acts as a limiter, making it easy to drive at very low speeds for applications such as mowing or planing. This enables operators to concentrate on the task in hand and prioritise safety. This technology evolution forms part of Mecalac’s ongoing commitment to simplifying the lives of users without compromising on performance. For further information see: Speed Control Video & MCR range. For more information, or to find your nearest UK dealer, visit www.mecalac.com/en.

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Glencar announces record breaking growth in latest trading statement.

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

Revenue for the latest trading period¹ grows significantly to £145m with over 50 new employees joining and a new office opened in Birmingham to serve key clients in the Midlands and North. Glencar, an expanding construction company specialising in the industrial, logistics, distribution, pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors has today announced its results for the latest trading period which confirms significant growth driven by key contract wins across the UK and within the key specialist sectors in which it operates. During the period 29 project instructions were received leading to a growth in revenue upto £145m.  To further fuel this growth 50 new employees were hired, and a new office opened in Birmingham to serve a growing number of key clients in the Midlands and North. Speaking about the results Glencar Managing Director Eddie McGillycuddy said: “From the outset one of the company’s founding principles is to handle growth in a sensible and sustainable manner.  By investing in our people, processes and infrastructure we are creating the solid foundations by which to operate and for the business to succeed. Despite these unprecedented times we are living in and the obvious social and economic challenges we are faced with revenue for the period has grown exponentially – driven by key contract wins with a broad range of new customers and through retaining key customer relationships.   We have also maintained a high degree of profitability which places Glencar on a strong financial footing. We have strengthened our senior leadership team considerably and more than doubled our head count so I am confident we have the right people in the right places to continue to press forward.   With a committed forward order book of over £180m Glencar is showing no intention of slowing down and looks forward to 2021 with a firm sense of optimism. On behalf of my fellow directors I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for the hard work and exceptional efforts of everybody at Glencar to reach this notable achievement”. ¹ Trading Period taken over an 18-month period. Glencar made the decision to change their accounting reference date to 30 September, for operational and administration reasons.

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Outsourcing cuts cladding fabrication costs by 50%

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

“Off the pallet, straight onto the wall” ethos saves time, cost and improves quality, says Vivalda survey Research undertaken by Vivalda Group, the UK’s largest supplier of non-combustible cladding, suggests that sub-contractors could reduce their fabrication costs by up to 50% by outsourcing the process. Vivalda contacted 15 specialist cladding contractors across the UK and asked them to provide their hourly rates for three specific processes; standard board drilling, specialist drilling, and fixing of brackets to boards. The differences between quoted sub-contractor rates and those charged by Vivalda were surprising. Here are the key findings: Standard drill holes for rivet and screw fix. Assuming 12 holes per m2, average sub-contractor labour rates quoted were up to 50% higher than those charged by Vivalda. Specialist ‘secret fix’ drill holes. The price difference between specialist off-site fabrication and on-site labour rates quoted was equally remarkable. Overall, prices quoted for this more complex procedure were approximately 20% higher compared to the cost of standard drilling. Sub-contractor labour rates for this work came out at approximately 40% more expensive when compared to prices quoted by off-site, high precision material engineers such as Vivalda. Fixing brackets / secret fixings to board. This too came out at around 35-40% higher compared to rates typically charged by third party suppliers.  Commenting on the findings, Chris Meyerhoff, branch manager at Vivalda’s Hull branch said: “We are seeing a major trend towards off-site fabrication, with contractors increasingly turning to us to cut boards to size, drill holes and even fix brackets so that facades can be installed as soon as they arrive on site. Despite the proven cost savings and quality guarantees offered by outsourcing, we wanted to understand why a hardcore of contractors continue to do this job in-house. After all, it’s a notoriously time-consuming job that a lot of subbies don’t like doing on-site. That’s why we undertook this research into the relative costs quoted for this activity. “Given the very clear savings contractors could make by outsourcing elements of their cladding fabrication process, we have to ask why aren’t all sub-contractors using third party specialists to prepare boards ready for on-site installation? Is it about control and quality? With damaged and poorly cut boards as the likely outcome, I cannot imagine this is good reason. Also, our use of CNC technology ensures boards are cut to within the tightest tolerances, with brackets fixed using the right tools in well lit, warm surroundings as opposed to rainswept, building sites with restricted space and strict on-site working regulations. “Perhaps some sub-contractors don’t consider the cost of fixings as being that significant? Well, for a project comprising 5,000m2 of cladding, our investigation suggests that this could cost anywhere from £300,000 to £600,000 in fixing labour costs – depending on the location and complexity of the project. That’s not chicken feed in anyone’s book. I’d urge any contractors out there to reconsider this part of their supply chain as it could improve quality, reduce accidents and boost profits in one fell swoop.” Based on its recent survey, Vivalda Group’s UK-wide fabrication facilities could save sub-contractors between 35 and 50% on labour costs, while significantly improving the accuracy and quality of the cladding systems prior to installation.

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Monaco architect Michel Desvigne’s transformative landscapes

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

Michel Desvigne, a highly regarded French landscape architect and respected Monaco architect, is known for his garden designs and his approach to urbanism. His gardens bring nature and a sense of calm to urban spaces. His love of gardens and landscapes were nurtured by his early work, as he and Christine Dalnoky were the first resident landscape architects at the Villa Medici in Rome, from 1986-1988. They were engaged by Renzo Piano – another award-winning Monaco architect — to design a garden at one of his projects on Paris’ rue de Meaux, famously known as “birch tree square.” Desvigne’s work can also be seen in his urban forests, including one in Paris and one on the roof of a railway station in Tokyo with more than 200 trees, as well as in such projects as the Parc aux Angéliques in Bordeaux, a riverside green space for walking, biking and picnicking, and the transformative Seguin Island Garden, the first public space to open on the island, formerly the site of the Renault factories in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. Also among the Monaco architect’s notable projects are the Grand Stade de Bordeaux, now known as the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux; the outdoor spaces surrounding UNESCO Building V in Paris; and the public spaces and parkway in the Brazza district of Bordeaux. In addition to designing sustainable landscapes, Desvigne has taught at the Harvard Graduate School of Design in the United States for over two decades, as well as at other universities and architecture schools around the world. In 2011, Desvigne was awarded France’s Grand Prize for Urbanism, and in 2014 he was awarded the European Prize for Urban Public Space for his restoration of the Old Port of Marseilles. The Monaco architect’s list of awards is lengthy, and includes, most notably, the Architectural Medal from the French Academy of Culture in 2000. More recently, Desvigne and his firm, along with OBR Paolo Brescia and Tommaso Principi, won first prize in an international competition in 2016 to design the new Central Park in Prato, Italy; and, in collaboration with several other firms, he won the Equerre d’Argent 2020 Prize in the category Public and Landscaped Spaces. Mareterra Monaco Now the Monaco architect is part of the design and development team working on the 6-hectare eco-development of Mareterra Monaco, which will feature a pine forest of endemic Mediterranean trees, with more than 1,000 to be planted around the cove that was created by a unique land reclamation project. Desvigne envisions “the reintroduction of a natural environment in the city,” as his landscaping will establish a flourishing Mediterranean ecosystem in keeping with the principality’s focus on conservation and sustainability. Desvigne is truly transforming urban landscapes across the globe, and now the Principality of Monaco will be another showcase for his natural gardens. They will enhance the promenade along the project’s seafront setting, bringing the signature serenity of the landscape Monaco architect’s designs to this luxury property.

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5 Tips to Hiring Waterproofing Services

Kenneth Booth December 3, 2020

If you notice that your basement or roof is wet, it is time to call a waterproof contractor. Since your home is your greatest asset, you must hire the best contractors to do the repairs. Finding the most reputable waterproofing company can be daunting, especially if you have never required their services before. However, do not worry. Here are five tips for hiring waterproofing services. 1.    Insurance and Certification. Your potential company must prove to you that they are insured. Depending on where you live, waterproofing contractors may require a building permit. As such, to avoid having trouble with the authority, ensure that your waterproofing company has these permits. An insured company assures you that you will not incur the cost of any risk that may arise during the repair. Your waterproofing company should also be adequately specialized in waterproofing work. The company should equip all their staff with the required knowledge in waterproofing. A qualified company will know how to work sort your roof or basement problems without causing other additional issues. As such, ensure that your waterproofing company is certified by all the necessary professional bodies. Estimates. Take estimates from multiple waterproofing companies to choose the one that meets your budget. While this may be time-consuming for you, the estimates will give you a broader understanding of the services. Multiple estimates also enable you to compare the quality of work and help you make an informed decision. Do not go for the cheapest estimate blindly. The chances are that a cheap contractor just wants your money. Experience. You want to work with a company that has been in the industry for a long time. Such companies have repaired multiple basement and roofs, and they understand almost every problem. A company that has been operational for at least ten years has the right experience for your job. Companies with long years of experience also have the right infrastructure to complete your work. Even after hiring the most reputable waterproofing company, you may still run into problems within the warranty period. Local contractors are more credible, and you can approach them at any time. Local contractors will also respond quickly because they have a reputation to keep. As such, consider hiring a local waterproofing contractor Customer Service. Good customer service is a sign of an excellent waterproofing company. A reputable contractor will not shy away from providing a good work warranty and ensuring that they will help if you run into problems later. A good contractor will also advise you on the safety and maintenance measures or your home. Online Reviews. Before hiring a waterproofing contractor, go online and read online reviews of the company. Here, you can see what the previous clients have to say about the company. You can narrow down your search by eliminating the companies with a bad reputation. You can also ask for oral reviews from people who have worked with the companies. If you have a leaking roof or basement, contact this waterproofing company for the best affordable services.

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GMI announces completion of new national headquarters for RM Resources at Harrier Park in Hucknall.

Kenneth Booth December 2, 2020

The contract to build the new 195,840 sq ft building was awarded to GMI by urban regeneration specialists Muse Developments and part of a joint venture with Rolls Royce. GMI Construction Group has announced the completion of a 195,840 sq ft national headquarters at Harrier Park in Hucknall for leading educational resource provider RM Resources. The 70-acre, Harrier Park, is part of a long-term joint venture between Rolls-Royce and urban regeneration specialist, Muse Developments, that will bring nearly one million sq ft of employment space, alongside hundreds of new homes and community facilities built on surplus land alongside the Rolls-Royce Aerospace supply chain plant off Watnall Road. RM Resources is part of RM plc, a leading supplier of technology and resources to the education sector, supporting schools, teachers and pupils across the globe – from pre-school to higher education – including examination boards, central governments and other professional institutions. Speaking about the project Lee Powell, Divisional Managing Director at GMI Construction, said: “It has been great to work on this exciting project at Harrier Park, we’re proud to have played a part in such an innovative development. Working with such illustrious clients as Muse Developments, RM Resources and Rolls-Royce to successfully and efficiently produce a business HQ of such high-quality is something we at GMI are very proud of.” Also commenting Dan Needham, development director at Muse Developments, said: “We’re delighted to hand over the keys to one of our latest distribution hubs to RM Resources, and we hope they’re happy in their new home. “We’ve been working hard with partners behind the scenes to deliver this and our residential schemes at Harrier Park safely and in line with government guidelines. What we’re looking at achieving here is to drive economic growth and prosperity, while creating job opportunities to benefit the Hucknall community and in light of the unprecedented situation we’re all in, this will be a welcome addition to benefit the town.” Monique Louis, managing director at RM Resources, said: “We are excited to be taking ownership of our new home for RM Resources which will see us consolidate multiple distribution centres into a solo, modernised and automated site. At the same time, the new location will enable us to bring together our office and operational teams into a single HQ that meets our longer-term business needs and objectives. “The modernisation and consolidation of our distributions facilities is part of a wider transformation programme at RM which includes the delivery of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. These investments will support our strategic imperatives of delivering excellence in customer service and digitalising our sales channels and wider organisational operations. They also reflect our confidence in the long-term future of RM and our commitment to the Nottinghamshire area.   “We very much look forward to moving into our energising and invigorating new working environment in April 2021.”

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£20m investment in Solihull high-rise homes

Kenneth Booth December 2, 2020

HIGH RISE RESIDENTS in north Solihull are set to benefit from a £20million investment in their homes. NFA member Solihull Community Housing (SCH), which manages 37 high rise buildings in the borough on behalf of Solihull Council, has announced the installation of sprinklers throughout the entire high-rise housing stock. In addition to this, almost half the buildings will be having external works to replace spandrel panels in a further move to bring them into line with the very latest building standards. SCH chief executive Fiona Hughes, said: “We are delighted to be able to share this great news with all our high-rise customers. Their safety and wellbeing is our number one priority. “Since the Grenfell fire tragedy in 2017, all landlords of high-rise buildings have had to evaluate the best course of action to ensure the safety of customers. Following extensive meetings with our colleagues at Solihull Council, further supported by West Midlands Fire Service, the unanimous decision has now been taken to install sprinklers throughout all our high rises.” While it is now law for new buildings over 30 metres to be fitted with sprinklers, landlords are not legally obliged to retrofit sprinklers in older buildings. However, an extensive programme of investigative research has led all involved parties to agree that this is the right thing to do in Solihull. Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “The safety of our tenants and residents is paramount.  Following advice from fire safety experts we have decided as a Council to equip all our high rises with sprinklers to increase fire safety. Although none of our high rises were affected by the problems associated with the Grenfell tragedy, we still feel the installation of sprinklers will provide the reassurance and protection our tenants and residents deserve.” This work will support SCH’s ongoing commitment to fire safety and complements other key safety protective measures such as fire doors. Sprinklers are now seen as the single most effective method of improving fire safety in high rise buildings. They will detect a fire, suppress it and raise the alarm. Sprinklers also assist firefighters in carrying out search and rescue operations. Fire safety advisors, and technical and professional experts, are unanimous in supporting the installation of sprinklers in high rises. They are especially important where there are vulnerable residents who would find it difficult to escape in the event of a fire, such as those with mobility problems. SCH has set up a comprehensive plan for engaging with residents and keeping them informed throughout. They will be kept up to date through the publication of regular special newsletters, social media, website posts and customer liaison officers who will host socially distanced drop-in sessions where it is safe to do so. “This is exciting news which I’m sure our high-rise residents will welcome,” added the SCH chief executive, Fiona Hughes. “We look forward to working closely with residents as we start this important piece of work that reaffirms our commitment to their safety and wellbeing.”

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