Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed works on an innovative modular housing scheme in Grantham, which is the first of its kind in the region. Delivered for South Kesteven District Council, through the Scape Regional Construction framework, the scheme comprises two modular housing developments valued at a total of
Private water supplies in Scotland are more likely to fail stringent water quality tests than public supplies, warns the UK plumber approval body WaterSafe. WaterSafe is highlighting the risk to public health as figures from the Drinking Water Quality Regulator1 show more than 10 per cent of tests on privately
Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA has announced two limited-time finance offers to make purchasing its latest range of class-leading plant equipment simple, accessible and hassle-free. For all excavators, carriers and wheel loaders purchased before 30 November 2020, the customer can freeze hire purchase repayments until 2021.* A simple 10% deposit payment
Civil and structural engineers RWO, has secured an undisclosed six-figure contract to support the new Rockingham Logistics Hub at the former Rockingham Speedway site near Corby in the East Midlands. This is a 250-acre site with planning for end-to-end automotive processing, which when open will have storage capacity for 50,000 cars along with
~ Endurawood releases infographic on how aluminium supports the construction industry’s environmental footprint ~ UK building and outdoor living product supplier Endurawood has released an infographic outlining the benefits of aluminium as a construction material. The supplier, which specialises in wood-effect aluminium products for applications including cladding, decking and architectural
Network Space Investments Limited has completed the off-market purchase of a modern single let industrial building on Hellaby Business Park, Rotherham, for £2.45million. The building, Unit 6, is situated in the heart of the Hellaby industrial estate, immediately adjacent to J1 of the M18 and within easy access of the
Being a landlord isn’t an easy job. While you may not have to sit at a desk all day, the work that comes with this can be just about endless. It will take a long time to find the right tenants for your property, but this won’t be the end
In the current “Covid” climate, concerns are increasing over traditional air conditioning units and recirculating systems redistributing contaminated air within rooms. Consequently, the importance of Natural Ventilation is growing as we look to provide healthier environments that are less “virus friendly”. Natural Ventilation is a method of supplying fresh air
Housebuilders have defended proposed planning changes allowing up to 40 to 50 homes to be built before an ‘affordable homes’ quota kicks in. Last week the Local Government Association criticised the government for the proposals, which it claimed would have resulted in 30,000 fewer homes being built over the last
A Cornish construction company has appointed a new managing director. Peter Sadler joins St Austell-based Gilbert & Goode with more than 25 years experience in the construction industry, specialising in the residential sector. His impressive experience features commercial, development, and managerial roles within the South West for organisations including Kier
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed works on an innovative modular housing scheme in Grantham, which is the first of its kind in the region. Delivered for South Kesteven District Council, through the Scape Regional Construction framework, the scheme comprises two modular housing developments valued at a total of £2.1m, which will provide critical social housing to meet the current requirements of the local authority. Works commenced at the two developments – Kinoulton Court and Earlesfield Lane – late last year and the plots were completed in summer. The 2,200 sq. ft. Earlesfield development comprises a block of four one-bedroom semi-detached apartments and Kinoulton Court is a 5,400 sq. ft. housing development comprising 10 one-bedroom apartments split into two blocks – one of which has four one-bedroom apartments and the other, six one-bedroom apartments. Delivered by lorry to site, the houses were fitted onto prepared foundations which include functioning pipe works and electrics. This process ensures that time is saved at the construction stage, with 10 weeks of programme time being saved for this particular scheme, compared to traditional methods. Works on both South Kesteven plots involved clearance of the sites – as Earlesfield was a small car park and Kinoulton Court, underutilised land. Prior to the installation of the modular units by supply chain partner, Premier Modular Ltd, a full enabling groundworks package was required for each plot with foundations, drainage and a protective ground gas membrane. The homes were then roofed and cladded on site, before external works were undertaken to each property including fenced boundaries, landscaped gardens, carparking and footpaths. External elevations were fitted with insulation and brick slips, and all internal finishes were completed by Premier Modular Ltd including UPVC glazing, mechanical and electrical works, plastering, decorations, flooring and commissioning. The traditional timber truss roofs and slate tiling was completed on site due to restrictions with transporting overly large modular building sections through the narrow residential streets. Craig Stopper, framework manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are pleased to have delivered this critical modular housing scheme in the region, to facilitate the fundamental need for social housing for South Kesteven District Council. “The modular housing plots were completed on-time and to a high standard which is a testament to our project teams and local supply chain partners, who have quickly adapted to the new guidelines which have been introduced as a result of the pandemic, to ensure safe working and social distancing on site. “We are certainly seeing an increase in the demand for modular construction as an energy efficient, comprehensive solution for social housing, that provides high-quality, affordable, easily accessible and adaptable accommodation. As modular sites are relatively unaffected by environmental delays such as bad weather – less logistical transport is required for materials which is more environmentally friendly and generates less waste.” SKDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Robert Reid, said: “We are building new homes in a range of different ways and the modular housing project is unique for us in that it has not been a traditional on-site build. “These are ambitious new-style developments providing homes for those who need them most and I am delighted to say both modular housing plots are fully occupied. We are creating a better quality of life for our residents, which is part of our vision for the future of this district.” Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “The UK’s housing shortage needs to be addressed with speed and efficiency, so it’s exciting to see G F Tomlinson and South Kesteven District Council using our Regional Construction framework and innovative modular construction methods to do just that. We take great pride in helping them to deliver a regional first strategy that will be of huge benefit to local communities.”
Private water supplies in Scotland are more likely to fail stringent water quality tests than public supplies, warns the UK plumber approval body WaterSafe. WaterSafe is highlighting the risk to public health as figures from the Drinking Water Quality Regulator1 show more than 10 per cent of tests on privately owned and operated water networks failed to meet drinking water quality standards in the latest published results. This is an increase on 6.5 per cent last year and 125 times the rate of failures in public drinking water supplied by Scottish Water, which continues to be among the safest in the world. Local authorities are responsible for regulating private water supplies – carrying out risk assessments and monitoring them. Each year the Drinking Water Quality Regulator, which regulates public supplies, publishes a report on private supplies based on the local authorities’ findings. These findings have prompted WaterSafe and the Drinking Water Quality Regulator to urge private water supply owners and operators not to take any chances when it comes to protecting their networks – and customers – from potential contamination. About 200,000 people in Scotland receive their drinking water from private water supplies, which supply homes, as well as schools, community halls, hotels, caravan parks, B&Bs and other businesses. Water samples failed due to a number of reasons, including poor water quality at the source, insufficient treatment of the water or poor or no maintenance of the plumbing and treatment systems. Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, said: “There are more than 22,453 registered private water supplies in Scotland which supply drinking water to nearly 200,000 customers across households and businesses, but this report shows a worrying proportion of the samples taken have been deemed unsafe. “Our message to those who own and operate these networks and sources of water is very clear – always be sure to employ a qualified plumber, such as WaterSafe approved as they are properly trained and competent in the water regulations which govern public water supplies. It makes sense to apply these same standards to private supplies to keep them equally healthy and avoid the risk of contamination right up to the tap.” Sue Petch, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator, said: “It is concerning that the quality of private water supplies is not improving. It is vital that these supplies are improved so that people using them have a safe and reliable supply of drinking water. “Local authorities can offer advice and support as well as enabling access to a Scottish Government grant to make improvements. “Private water supplies have many risks, and it is vital that those working on them are competent to do so. We support WaterSafe, as its register of approved plumbers is there to help those responsible for protecting public health make an informed choice and not least ensure any work is done safely by a skilled and competent plumber using approved materials.” The annual Drinking Water Quality Report for public and private water supplies can be read at https://dwqr.scot/information/annual-report/. To find your nearest WaterSafe approved plumber in Scotland, simply enter your postcode online at watersafe.org.uk
Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA has announced two limited-time finance offers to make purchasing its latest range of class-leading plant equipment simple, accessible and hassle-free. For all excavators, carriers and wheel loaders purchased before 30 November 2020, the customer can freeze hire purchase repayments until 2021.* A simple 10% deposit payment is required up front, alongside VAT in full and a small document signing fee. Alternatively, for select models across Yanmar’s tracked excavator, wheel loader and wheeled excavator portfolios (B75W, B95W, B110W, V70s, V80, ViO80-2PB, ViO82, B7, SV100, SV100-2PB and SV120), hire purchase customers can benefit from 0% APR for 36 months.** A minimum deposit of 10% applies, alongside payment of VAT in full and a small document signing fee. David Cockayne, UK & Ireland sales manager at Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA, commented: “Perfectly blending stylish Japanese design with pioneering European innovation, the Yanmar compact portfolio sets the global standards in performance, capability and reliability. “Our unbeatable finance packages offer a helping hand to construction professionals nationwide, making purchasing the latest range both simple and accessible. As with all our promotions, they’ll only run for a limited time, so interested parties should take advantage while they can!” A leader in the design and manufacture of compact construction equipment, Yanmar’s comprehensive portfolio offers the perfect solution for almost every earthmoving application. From an extensive range of tracked excavators (0-10 tonnes), to a class-leading selection of wheel loaders, wheeled excavators and tracked carriers, operators benefit from reliable, robust, rental-tough machines built to the highest standards. For more information about the latest sales initiatives, or to find your nearest dealer, visit www.yanmarconstruction.co.uk.
Civil and structural engineers RWO, has secured an undisclosed six-figure contract to support the new Rockingham Logistics Hub at the former Rockingham Speedway site near Corby in the East Midlands. This is a 250-acre site with planning for end-to-end automotive processing, which when open will have storage capacity for 50,000 cars along with several vehicle maintenance buildings and 40,000 sq. ft. of office space. The contract involves re-evaluating the plans for the vehicle maintenance buildings, which are being built on a concrete raft specifically designed by RWO to replace the original cost prohibitive piled solution, spreading the load of the building over a wider area. The work also sees the preparation of designs and supplying a package of engineering services to ensure a successful structural infrastructure build programme, which is due for completion in spring 2021. The news comes as RWO, which has maintained a resilient performance in the face of economic uncertainties caused by the pandemic, continues to build on planned strategic growth, which sees revenues exceed turnover forecast of £1.75m in the past 12 months. Head of RWO Leeds, Andrew Fairburn, said: “This is another high-profile project working to create one of the UK’s foremost independent automotive logistics centres. It’s great to be involved, reflecting the skills and expertise available to support multi-million pound national investment projects. “We have a very healthy forward order book and expect to see further national contract success and expansion over the next 12 months.” Alan Cooper, director at contractors Core Special Projects, said: “We are working in close partnership with the RWO team to develop a successful engineering solution. They have the skills and experience to deliver service and quality for this important project, which will benefit so many in the local area.” Photocaption: RWO has won a contract to provide engineering services at the Rockingham Logistics Hub
~ Endurawood releases infographic on how aluminium supports the construction industry’s environmental footprint ~ UK building and outdoor living product supplier Endurawood has released an infographic outlining the benefits of aluminium as a construction material. The supplier, which specialises in wood-effect aluminium products for applications including cladding, decking and architectural facades, understands the multiple advantages of using aluminium over traditional building materials. Currently, the construction, operation and maintenance of the built environment accounts for 45 per cent of the UK’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions — a figure that demonstrates the industry’s impact on the environment. Concrete, steel and timber are globally used building materials that have been trusted in the construction of buildings for years. These materials, however, can prove harmful to the environment — with concrete responsible for eight per cent of the world’s CO2 emissions, steel production claimed to be one of the most carbon emitting industrial processes in the world and the use of timber, which encourages deforestation. Aluminium is formed through chemical extraction of bauxite, an ore that is mined to create alumina, which is smelted to form pure aluminium. Although this process emits CO2 emissions,aluminium is highly recyclable. Apart from its environmental benefits, aluminium is also lightweight and naturally corrosion resistant. “The potential that aluminium has to improve the quality of a build, plus reduce overall emissions, is greatly underestimated,” said Endurawood’s managing director, Nick Cowley. “Aluminium’s inherent corrosion resistance can improve the durability and quality of a build and its lightweight means that it’s more manageable onsite. This requires less energy and transport to handle the material to and from site, helping to further reduce fuel consumption in the industry. “Its lightweight property also makes aluminium a suitable candidate in modular and offsite construction, as the easy installation and handling of aluminium supports quicker completion times that modular construction is renowned for. “While the production of any metal is not hazard free, the effects of aluminium production can be counteracted by its circularity potential — a quality that is not applicable to building materials such as concrete. Endurawood uses volatile organic compound (VOC) free coatings and lead-free finishes, making it more environmentally friendly to use,” added Cowley. “The UK’s population is expected to reach 70 million by 2031, increasing the demand for more buildings and homes. With almost half of emissions produced attributed to the built environment, it’s vital the industry makes changes to reduce this figure. Relying on a lightweight, eco-friendly building material such as aluminium, could certainly help to support this.” For more information about Endurawood’s products, applications and the advantages of aluminium, visit www.endurawood.co.uk and download the infographic.
Network Space Investments Limited has completed the off-market purchase of a modern single let industrial building on Hellaby Business Park, Rotherham, for £2.45million. The building, Unit 6, is situated in the heart of the Hellaby industrial estate, immediately adjacent to J1 of the M18 and within easy access of the M1, Doncaster and Sheffield. The building extends to approximately 40,000 sq. ft and is currently occupied by a FTSE 100 listed long-term tenant. Martin Mellor, Managing Director of Network Space Investments Limited commented: “We are delighted to have acquired this building to add to our growing investment portfolio. “The property is both well located within the South Yorkshire conurbation and has been excellently maintained by the current tenant who has been in situ for eight years. The acquisition precisely matches our investment criteria to acquire good quality modern buildings in urban areas where there is significant future value growth potential.” Network Space Investments has appointed Doncaster-based NSM property and asset management specialists to manage the property. Network Space Investments was represented by CPP.
Being a landlord isn’t an easy job. While you may not have to sit at a desk all day, the work that comes with this can be just about endless. It will take a long time to find the right tenants for your property, but this won’t be the end of the work that you have to do. There is a big difference between good and bad landlords, though it doesn’t have to be too hard to achieve the right results with something like this when you’re prepared to put the work into it. To help you out with this, this article will be exploring some of the key elements that make a good landlord. Communication Communication is absolutely key when you’re a landlord. Your tenants need to be able to talk to you when they need help, and you need to be able to talk to them if there are ever any issues with things like rent. Having multiple forms of communication available is a great way to do this, with things like phone calls and WhatsApp giving your tenants loads of options when they want to get through to you. Property Management Property management is another crucial job that landlords have to handle. Even if you put loads of work into maintaining a property, it will always need to have things done to it from time to time. In some cases, this can involve minor work, but it can get a lot more difficult when you have a serious issue to deal with. A property management company for landlords can be a great service to take on when you’re worried that you can’t give your tenants the management they need. Flexibility Your tenants are likely to have ever-changing situations, especially if they are young people. While you can’t be expected to give your properties away for free, a certain amount of flexibility should be exercised to make sure that you’re not putting too much pressure on them. Having rent a couple of weeks late isn’t the end of the world, and you can probably afford to deal with issues like this as long as you stay on top of it. Care & Attention Finally, as the last area to consider, it’s time to think about the care and attention you give the place your tenants call home. Good landlords are always looking for ways to improve the lives of their tenants. Making small improvements to properties that already have people inside them will make your tenants very happy, essentially adding to the good deal you’ve already given them. Of course, though, this sort of work has to have limits. Being a landlord can be an exciting and fulfilling role. Of course, though, even when you work extremely hard at something like this, it can be a challenge to make sure that you have the time to throw yourself into it. As time goes on, it should get much easier to be a good landlord, avoiding all of the little issues that could make you a bad one.
In the current “Covid” climate, concerns are increasing over traditional air conditioning units and recirculating systems redistributing contaminated air within rooms. Consequently, the importance of Natural Ventilation is growing as we look to provide healthier environments that are less “virus friendly”. Natural Ventilation is a method of supplying fresh air to a building or room by means of natural forces (wind speed or air buoyancy). Passive ventilation with Heat Recovery (PVHR) is a Natural Ventilation system capable of recovering heat without using electricity. It ensures that all of the air we breathe, within the built environment, is fresh and can be introduced comfortably without the need for further power, heating or inefficient cooling. Ventive®, a building services innovator, design and manufacture ventilation solutions for schools and other high occupancy buildings. It pioneered the design of naturally intelligent ventilation systems that deliver fresh, comfortable air at minimal energy cost. Its proven, ‘displacement’ ventilation systems not only reduce the reliance on costly, energy- hungry mechanical systems but also ensure that stale, contaminated air is safely removed from occupied spaces without mixing with incoming air (which is the case with both recirculating and mixing mechanical systems). Ventive has worked with top UK university researchers from Imperial, UCL and Brunel and the development of its technology has received multiple industry awards and central government support (BEIS’s Energy Entrepreneurs Fund, Innovate UK and the Energy Systems Catapult); Ventive is also part of the Made in Britain campaign. The company is based in West London. To date, Ventive systems have been installed to over 20 schools (primary and secondary, state/free/fee-paying), a number of high occupancy buildings and over 200 homes in the UK. The main advantages of their systems are: 100% Fresh air – reduces the risk of recirculating aerosolised viral particles Displacement ventilation – the most effective way of reducing infection risk according to science Reduction in Carbon emissions; each system runs by harnessing nature and is net-zero in terms of emissions Cheaper to install and operate than full mechanical plant; the Carbon Trust found that commercial buildings with natural ventilation saved an average of £30,000 per year Requires less maintenance than air conditioning or fan-driven systems Free night cooling reduces daytime starting temperatures and cools the building for free Remote monitoring of air quality and remote system adjustments The systems are Cloud connected and “smart”, autonomously reacting to their environment and transmitting data, allowing remote monitoring and over-the-air upgrades to optimize performance. Ventive’s award-winning Windhive® system combines passive ventilation, heat recovery and system intelligence to supply up to 200 litres of fresh air every second. It adapts to real-time conditions to deliver an optimal balance of ventilation and comfortable temperatures, whatever the weather. Ventive systems (prices from £5,000) are presently being installed at Crest Nicholson’s development at Bicester Eco Village and are installed at over 20 schools including: o Guildford High School, Surrey Horniman Primary School, Forest Hill o Petra’s Place, Fulham Talbot Heath Girls’ School, Bournemouth o o Beechwood, Reading Southwark Pupil Referral Unit Connah’s Quay High School, Deeside Southend High School for Girls
Housebuilders have defended proposed planning changes allowing up to 40 to 50 homes to be built before an ‘affordable homes’ quota kicks in. Last week the Local Government Association criticised the government for the proposals, which it claimed would have resulted in 30,000 fewer homes being built over the last five years. But the National Federation of Builders, NFB, said raising the limit from the current ten homes threshold to 40 or 50 wouldallow more small developers to build homes. NFB housing and planning policy head Rico Wojtulewicz said: “Negotiations on affordable homes has meant that developments have been delayed by up to two years. If you raise the threshold for building affordable houses then more homes will be built throughout the country.” Affordability challenges being addressed Mr Wojtulewicz that added first-time buyers’ access to help-to-buy would still enable them to get onto the first rung of the property ladder even in hotspots like the South East. Currently, developments of more than ten homes must have a 20 to 30 per cent ratio of affordable properties. Mr Wojtulewicz said this had acted as a deterrent for many smaller developers. LGA housing spokesperson and Swindon borough council leader David Renard said: “Proposals to exempt developers from having to build affordable housing on certain small sites are of huge concern. With rising housing waiting lists and record numbers in temporary accommodation, we desperately need to be building more affordable housing, not less.” Mr Wojtulewicz said since 2018when the cap on local authorities’ housing revenue accounts was lifted, it was now possible for them to contractlocal builders to create council homes. He pointed to forthcoming first home legislation where local first-time buyers are to be given a 30 per cent discount on new build homes in their area as another affordable homes measure. Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said the changes would help SME developers especially in the wake of the current Covid-19 crisis survive and make it easier for them to gain construction loans.
A Cornish construction company has appointed a new managing director. Peter Sadler joins St Austell-based Gilbert & Goode with more than 25 years experience in the construction industry, specialising in the residential sector. His impressive experience features commercial, development, and managerial roles within the South West for organisations including Kier Living, Midas, and Mowlem, as well as international positions in the Cayman Islands. “Gilbert & Goode has a strong reputation for building high quality homes with a personal approach, which is what attracted me to the role,” said Peter Sadler. “There is a fantastic team here, and I am looking forward to working with them to take the business through the transition from a regional builder to a developer, enhancing private open market sales, and delivering aspirational environments and communities for our customers to live.” Established in 1972, Gilbert & Goode is now one of the largest Cornish construction companies. It provides high quality homes in key locations across Cornwall and West Devon, with customer experience at the heart. Work will commence at Copper Hills, the company’s newest project comprising 160 homes in Hayle, this autumn. The scheme will be a mix of 35% affordable and 65% open market houses, with a show home opening in spring 2021. Peter continued: “I am excited to be starting work on my first development in Hayle. The area is undergoing huge regeneration, offering a coastal lifestyle with great transport links within Cornwall, meaning there is extremely high demand for new homes in the town. “Long term, we have seen new trends emerging from the coronavirus pandemic, including an increased number of people needing to work from home. As part of our new strategy, we are aiming to create functional and sustainable homes, introducing new technologies and flexible living methods which adapt to changing environments. “We are keen to learn about land opportunities throughout the region for us to be able to deliver a range of open market and affordable homes, developing communities and providing people with safe, stylish, and high quality places to live.” Gilbert & Goode plans to break ground on three new developments in 2021, with 44 homes in Bodmin, 24 homes in St Teath, and 19 homes in Trewoon. Each development will have a mix of affordable and shared ownership properties. Ocean Housing Group is the parent company of Gilbert & Goode. Its chief executive Mark Gardner said: “The group is delighted to welcome Peter Sadler as managing director of Gilbert & Goode. He has an excellent track record, and has the calibre and experience the company needs to continue its growth and success.” New homes are now for sale at current developments in Lelant and the suburbs of Truro, with stamp duty incentives available until the end of March 2021. For more information about these developments visit five-truro.co.uk or lannantaforge.co.uk.