Selco Builders Warehouse, one of the UK’s leading builders merchants, has been awarded ‘Superbrands’ status. Selco, which has undergone a major services and branch expansion in recent years, has been rewarded for enjoying an excellent reputation in the industry. Companies shortlisted for Superbrands accreditation are measured on three core areas
The team at B&K Structures are celebrating Offsite Awards success after being crowned winners of not one but two awards for Commercial Project of the Year and Education Project of the year at a virtual ceremony hosted by Mark Durden Smith. Working across all construction sectors, the specialist sustainable contractor
A national survey of construction companies published by Worthing and Gatwick-based chartered accountants MHA Carpenter Box, alongside their national association MHA, reveals a stark divide in how construction companies in the South East and beyond have fared during the COVID-19 crisis. In line with national trends, almost half (49%) of
Water is an essential component and we couldn’t imagine life without its availability. Three-quarters of the earth is composed of water that has to be brought to the land to make use of it. To make water easily accessible, water tankers are used. Water tankers are large storage tankers that
Choosing the right loft ladder is extremely important. It should be solid and durable so that you can safely get to the top floor of the house. How to choose the right loft ladder? Some investors decide to put cheap wooden stairs or standard ladders in their homes to get
UK commercial properties are facing an ongoing battle with poor air quality. According to research from the BBC, up to 800,000 people die every year globally from poor workplace air quality; this represents a productivity lost of nearly £0.50 per hour per employee where productivity is concerned. Clearly, tackling this issue
Citrus Durham has strengthened the agency team at Integra 61, the North East’s largest new logistics and manufacturing park, with the appointment of Colliers International to join existing agent Avison Young. The agency team will jointly market the remaining 1m sq ft of industrial/logistics space and circa 80,000 sq ft
Award-winning quantity surveying and commercial management consultancy, Soben, has launched an MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) Division, to be led by newly appointed Operations Director for MEP, Matthew Lopacki. Matthew, who has over 40 years’ experience in the MEP Services bidding and estimating environment, was previously an Estimating Director at
EXPERIENCED home staging expert, property professional and director of Lemon and Lime Interiors Elaine Penhaul has today launched her first book – ‘Sell High, Sell Fast – How to sell your home for the best possible price, in the quickest possible time’. The book, which was written with vendors in mind, equips sellers with the skills and knowledge they need to get
The challenges around our ageing demographic are growing, with additional incidents like COVID-19 putting a magnifying glass on the problems we already have and need to address. Action is required to ensure we can all Age Well without fear of loneliness, isolation, avoidable ill health and poor living conditions. In
Selco Builders Warehouse, one of the UK’s leading builders merchants, has been awarded ‘Superbrands’ status. Selco, which has undergone a major services and branch expansion in recent years, has been rewarded for enjoying an excellent reputation in the industry. Companies shortlisted for Superbrands accreditation are measured on three core areas – quality, reliability and distinction. Other factors taken into consideration include a brand’s current profile, latest marketing activities and new product or service developments. Howard Luft, Selco’s chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to have received this award and it’s a huge credit to the entire team throughout Selco. “Whether it be opening new branches to help establish a true nationwide brand, creating a revamped and fully operational website or establishing digital transactional platforms such as Click & Collect or Click & Deliver, there have been substantial developments in recent years and there are exciting initiatives planned to continue that progress. “Receiving recognition through awards such as Superbrands is just reward for the efforts of everyone to grow the Selco name.” The Superbrands organisation identifies and pays tribute to exceptional brands in over 85 different countries. The selection process is independently run with one of the world’s leading data research companies and tracks the perception of a wide range of businesses. It follows a voting process involving 2,500 business professionals with purchasing or managerial responsibility, supplemented by an expert council comprising 20 senior marketing leaders. This year’s survey evaluated a shortlist of 1,600 business-to-business brands across 63 categories, with only the most highly regarded from each category awarded Superbrands status. Damon Segal, co-founder of the Academy of Chief Marketers (Superbrands UK), said: “We are excited to have Selco Builders Warehouse on board with us and look forward to them being part of our community of collaborative senior marketing and brand focused members.” With hundreds of trade brands always in stock, Selco’s branches are firmly focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible. As well as offering trade services, Selco also has a strong digital presence including Click & Deliver, a Click & Collect service and a new website designed to help tradespeople purchase their materials in the quickest and most effective way possible. For more information on Selco visit www.selcobw.com
The team at B&K Structures are celebrating Offsite Awards success after being crowned winners of not one but two awards for Commercial Project of the Year and Education Project of the year at a virtual ceremony hosted by Mark Durden Smith. Working across all construction sectors, the specialist sustainable contractor has been involved in some outstanding developments, but the winning projects are truly unique. Andy Goodwin, Managing Director for B&K Structures said of this success: “The offsite sector is driven by innovation and it is rewarding to be acknowledged as a leader in our field by such a distinguished panel of judges. I would like to send my congratulations to our pioneering team and our outstanding construction partners.” Dreadnought Building – Education Project of the Year Transforming a former naval hospital within a UNESCO World Heritage Site is no small task, the Dreadnought Building at the University of Greenwich is an amazing structure. As part of a team of specialists, B&K Structures sensitively restored the Grade II listed building by stripping it back and modernising it ready for its contemporary role at the heart of the University. The renowned Dreadnought building retains its character and sense of history whilst providing a state-of-the-art hub creating teaching and learning facilities, together with a gym and social spaces. The project involved two elements. The refurbishment of the existing building together with a new PEFC full chain of custody infill structure to the courtyard comprising visible grade cross laminated timber (CLT) floor panels to the first and second mezzanine floor levels. At roof level the design has a combination of white wood spruce glulam beams and insulated timber roof cassettes. Construction Partners •Client – University of Greenwich •Main Contractor – Willmott Dixon •Architect – Dannatt Johnson Associates •M&E – Andrew Reid and Partners •Structural – Alan Baxter Associates •Specialist Contractor – B&K Structures •CLT Supplier – Stora Enso •Glulam & Timber Cassette Supplier – Rubner Holzbau Jaguar Land Rover’s Advanced Product Creation Centre – Commercial Project of the Year The ambition for the Jaguar Land Rover scheme was to create one of the foremost Advanced Product Creation Centres in the world using innovative offsite construction techniques. The new building reflects the design quality and company values associated with one of the UK’s most iconic automotive businesses. Jaguar Land Rover’s own sustainability and wellbeing strategy shaped the building philosophy together with the desire to create a defining roof structure from offsite manufactured timber technology that reflects the pioneering work taking place within. A diverse range of spaces has been brought together under one of Europe’s largest engineered timber roofs designed, engineered and installed by B&K Structures. Construction Partners •Client- Jaguar Land Rover •Main Contractor – Laing O’Rourke •Architect – Bennett Associates •Structure, Services and Specialist Engineering – Buro Happold •Specialist Frame Contractor – B&K Structures •CLT Supplier – Binderholz •Glulam Supplier – Derix •Quantity Surveyor – Thomas and Adamson About B&K Structures Through careful design detailing and value engineering, B&K Structures is able to offer the best possible offsite manufactured construction solutions, ensuring a smooth integration for follow-on trades – delivering award-winning, environmentally and sustainable projects on time and to budget. B&K Structures has worked with some of the UK’s most renowned clients to develop outstanding buildings with sustainable credentials. For more information on their product portfolio and full range of services go to www.bkstructures.co.uk
A national survey of construction companies published by Worthing and Gatwick-based chartered accountants MHA Carpenter Box, alongside their national association MHA, reveals a stark divide in how construction companies in the South East and beyond have fared during the COVID-19 crisis. In line with national trends, almost half (49%) of companies said the impact of COVID-19 has been substantial; 44% stated it had had only minimal impact on their business; and only 5% described the damage was critical. Future expectations also showed a divide, with almost a third reporting that business activity was now back to normal, while 30% believed it would take over a year to return to pre-pandemic levels. The biggest concern, shared by 61% of respondents, is economic uncertainty. Supply chain disruption also ranked high on the list of worries, mentioned by 45% of respondents, with 32% concerned about cashflow, which reflects the industry’s strong balance sheets, low debt risk and improved turnover pre-pandemic. Other findings: 81% have made use of the furlough scheme, with seven in 10 planning to bring back all furloughed staff Close to a third (32%) have had to make redundancies 68% have used the VAT deferral scheme 47% reported it was easy to access government funding Commenting on the results of the survey, Robert Dowling, Head of Construction and Real Estate at MHA and MHA Carpenter Box, said: “Construction businesses in the South East have generally adapted well since lockdown was lifted. They are managing sites to ensure activity can continue, whilst adhering to social distancing measures by spreading workforces around sites. “Inevitably there are delays and completion dates are being put back, which in turn is expected to have some impact on funding by increasing the cost of capital. “The future however is very uncertain. Government projects are now the most likely source of revival for the sector; housebuilding, although currently buoyed up by strong demand is likely to suffer from a rise in unemployment; and commercial building is unlikely to thrive, with many companies questioning whether they need as much office space as before.”
Water is an essential component and we couldn’t imagine life without its availability. Three-quarters of the earth is composed of water that has to be brought to the land to make use of it. To make water easily accessible, water tankers are used. Water tankers are large storage tankers that are filled with water which is transported to where it is needed by road. Water is needed in every phase of life. So water tankers are not only restricted to domestic purposes but are also used in civil construction, industries, fire fighting, producing artificial rain, and watering the plants. They are widely used because of the improved road networks that have made transportation easier. Water tankers are large enough to store 500 to 5000 gallons of water. But the larger they are in size, and the more capacity they hold, the same is the amount of cost that is needed to buy them. So instead of investing a huge amount in tankers, hiring is a better option because of its cost-efficiency. Look here for premium UTE water tanks. Hiring a water tanker is beneficial than buying one but here are a few things that must be acknowledged before hiring a tank. Cost The first and foremost thing that everyone considers is the price that they have to pay against the service they are availing. When hiring a water tanker, compare the price of different companies, look for the rates they offer on an hourly basis, and choose the most compatible price that you can pay without burdening yourself. If you are hiring for your business purposes, examine your capital, and see the long term and short term quotes offered by different companies. Capacity Water tankers are available in different sizes according to their use. The tankers for domestic uses are smaller and for construction purposes they are large. Know beforehand, the quantity of water that is required by you so opt for a tank that has a capacity that fits your use so you don’t have to face the trouble of insufficient water by hiring a smaller tank or pay unreasonably more by hiring a tank with more capacity than what is needed. Location Location matters a lot while you are hiring a tanker to transport water for your needs. Choose for a company that is nearer your destination so that you have to pay less, otherwise longer distances will increase the per hour rate and will not be cost-efficient. Look for a company which is the nearest so that they can deliver easily and park on the location from where water could be supplied The credibility of the service provider The tanker that you are hiring must be from a reputable company that you can examine by the reviews that their customers have given online or ask for your friends for suggestions about the best place to hire tankers from. The staff must be decent to comply with your needs so that no hindrance occurs in the supply of water between the client and the dealer.
Choosing the right loft ladder is extremely important. It should be solid and durable so that you can safely get to the top floor of the house. How to choose the right loft ladder? Some investors decide to put cheap wooden stairs or standard ladders in their homes to get to the attic. However, such a solution is not particularly safe. It is worth investing in a solid loft ladder, which will ensure proper comfort of use and safety. Loft ladders – which material to choose? Choosing the right loft ladders depends mainly on the frequency of use. Both metal and wooden loft ladders are available on the market, and the choice depends on individual preferences. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Metal stairs are much more popular and are characterized by greater stability and strength. However, if you plan to enter the attic occasionally, a wooden loft ladder will be a sufficient option. Size of the loft ladder One of the most important things you need to pay attention to when buying a loft ladder is to choose the right size. First, check precisely how big the area under the stairs is. This will significantly simplify the selection of a loft ladder. You also have to decide whether you need a three- or four-section loft ladder. Pay attention also to the difficulty of installation. Choose loft ladders of the highest quality construction ‒ thanks to that the installation will not be complicated or particularly expensive. Additional features of the loft ladder – choose wisely! When choosing a loft ladder, opt for safe models that feature non-slip steps and mortise locks. This will ensure that your loft ladder will be stable and properly secured until the lock is released. It is best to opt for a loft ladder with a factory-assembled handrail, which helps when climbing and descending from the attic and minimizes the risk of an unfortunate fall. Many people do not take energy efficiency into account when choosing a loft ladder. However, this is very important because, as research shows, as much as 25% of heat loss in the house is related to the attic. Therefore, on the market search for a loft ladder with high energy efficiency, which will reduce the costs associated with heating the house. Loft ladders ‒ summary Choosing the right loft ladder is not an easy task. It all depends on your individual preferences, and the type of building you live in. If you follow our instructions regarding the choice of a loft ladder, you will certainly find a good and safe solution that will serve in your house for many years. When choosing a loft ladder, pay attention to the way it opens and check if it is insulated to limit the loss of heat from the house.
UK commercial properties are facing an ongoing battle with poor air quality. According to research from the BBC, up to 800,000 people die every year globally from poor workplace air quality; this represents a productivity lost of nearly £0.50 per hour per employee where productivity is concerned. Clearly, tackling this issue is important both for employee health and for the success of a business. A determinative way in which to address the challenge is through well designed inbuilt air control design from the minute the building goes up. The function of air purification To properly design air filtration for your build it’s important to build up a knowledge of exactly how filtration works. Modern air filtration works via the High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter, more popularly known as the HEPA filter. Studies have shown the efficiency of such devices in remediating poor air quality – a study published in the Journal of Advances In Technical Nonwovens found that filters can take 99.7% of particulates out of the air. It is worth noting, however, that they aren’t effective for smaller particles, such as viruses. These filters then are standardised against MERV ratings, which are an important consideration for businesses. A certain rating, typically MERV 13 or higher, is necessary to filter out all of the particulates you would expect to find in the work environment. However, going too high will restrict airflow and can leave the atmosphere inside of work feeling stale, if still safe. Tackling that aspect and thus making it comfortable for workers is important. The filtration/quality balance Air filters can make sure air is clean and healthy, but they can stifle proper airflow, too. It’s no longer enough to simply have air con systems that push and pull air into the building; a more finely controlled and flexible system is needed to ensure that the building has proper airflow throughout. This is, of course, entirely possible, and buildings from as far back as the mid-noughties show that. As City Wire have explored, London’s Gherkin has a deft set of movements from its outside plates to allow a whole range of alterations to air flow. Working in a smart mechanical fashion, it ensures that the air inside can be clean while also not being stifling. Futuristic futures Of course, steps can be taken that will improve the situation even further. For example, look to Mexico, where a living and breathing piece of street art actively cleans air. This is something achievable in the office environment through wall materials and artwork within the office, and can be an active reminder to tenants of the benefits provided by a proper air filtration system as well as an interesting angle through to which to market your properties. Brought together, these elements make up the new air filtration picture. With employee health and productivity at risk, it’s an imperative for building owners to get smart about how they want their builds to operate. Planning now will help to ensure a better, more breathable, future.
Citrus Durham has strengthened the agency team at Integra 61, the North East’s largest new logistics and manufacturing park, with the appointment of Colliers International to join existing agent Avison Young. The agency team will jointly market the remaining 1m sq ft of industrial/logistics space and circa 80,000 sq ft of roadside opportunities at the 205 acre site located next to J61 of the A1(M). Following the recent completion of over £20m of major infrastructure works, the £300m mixed-use employment development is now fully operational and has the capability to deliver some 4,000 jobs in total. In addition to being home to Amazon’s new 2m sq ft Fulfilment Centre, one of the UK’s largest logistics buildings, the site has outline planning consent for a further 1m sq ft of employment space with ‘oven-ready’ plots available on a design and build basis which enable occupiers to be operational within a year of deal completion. The pioneering development will also house circa 300 new homes and significant roadside opportunities including drive-thru’s, a 70-bed hotel, family pub/restaurant, nursery, car showrooms and trade counter/retail units. Fronting onto the newly upgraded A688 and Durham Services, Integra 61 is just 4 miles away from the world-renowned University City of Durham with its population of over 40,000. This, in addition to the 740,000 people living within 30 minutes of the scheme offers occupiers access to an excellent local labour pool. Robert Whatmuff, Director, Colliers International said; “Integra 61 is undoubtedly one of the most exciting developments in the North East, with commercial opportunities to suit a full range of businesses and requirements. Certainty of deliverability is crucial in today’s market and the fact that occupiers can be operational on-site within a year of committing to the scheme is fantastic and will ensure smooth transitions for businesses.” Robert Rae, MD, Avison Young commented; “There has been real momentum at Integra 61 with the site now a hub of activity. Potential occupiers can get a sense of what a significant development the Citrus Durham team has created here and we anticipate high levels of demand for the wide range of opportunities at this strategic site.” David Cullingford, Project Lead for Integra 61 and Citrus Durham, said; “We are delighted to welcome Colliers International to our agency team at Integra 61. Their national outreach and expertise within the roadside sector is second to none and combined with Avison Young’s long-standing involvement with the development, we have a great team to take Integra 61 into its next exciting phase.”
Award-winning quantity surveying and commercial management consultancy, Soben, has launched an MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) Division, to be led by newly appointed Operations Director for MEP, Matthew Lopacki. Matthew, who has over 40 years’ experience in the MEP Services bidding and estimating environment, was previously an Estimating Director at Skanska Rashleigh Weatherfoil. Prior to that Matthew spent 12 years as Divisional Estimating Manager at NG Bailey, the UK’s largest specialist MEP contractor. His experience spans numerous market sectors including commercial, residential, healthcare, and pharmaceutical. Soben has already been providing MEP support to selected clients on major office, technology, and data centre projects across Europe. Formally appointing Matthew and launching the new MEP division will allow these services to be rolled out to both Main Contractors and specialist MEP contractors across all of Soben’s market sectors and geographies. Soben’s services include cost planning, procurement, preparing bills of quantities, tender appraisals, bid levelling, post contract commercial management and change management. Commenting on his new role Matthew Lopacki said; “Joining Soben to head up its MEP division is a great opportunity. I’m ready to work alongside our key clients to ensure they benefit from our available MEP services.” Andrew Gallacher, Managing Director of Soben UK and Europe, said; “Launching our MEP division is the next step on our journey at Soben. This new division will allow clients to benefit from a range of services that result in greater cost certainty, reduced costs and reduced risks.” “We’re delighted to have Matthew join us to lead this new and exciting venture for the Soben team.”
EXPERIENCED home staging expert, property professional and director of Lemon and Lime Interiors Elaine Penhaul has today launched her first book – ‘Sell High, Sell Fast – How to sell your home for the best possible price, in the quickest possible time’. The book, which was written with vendors in mind, equips sellers with the skills and knowledge they need to get their homes ready for sale. It helps them to understand their market, find their ideal buyer and demonstrates how to create a home that will sell quickly, using tried and tested home staging techniques. Elaine said: “This book explains what I have learned about the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of selling a home as quickly as possible for the maximum financial gain. For most of us, selling a home represents far more than simply a bricks and mortar transaction.” Covering topics such as marketing property in the 21st century, the importance of presentation, home staging, decluttering, and decorating – the helpful guide gives well-rounded insight into all the elements of a property sale. The book also includes Elaine’s expertise and knowledge gained since setting up Lemon & Lime Interiors in 2012. Elaine added: “When writing ‘Sell High, Sell Fast’ I aimed to equip vendors with all the skills they need to get their properties ready for sale. There is a common misconception that home staging and interior design are the same – when actually they are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Home stagers are only interested in creating market appeal for a property. In essence, it is a marketing tool and as such can be taught.” During 2018/19, the occupied properties that Lemon and Lime Interiors worked with sold on average four times faster after staging, showing just how effective home staging can be. Elaine continued: “Home staging is essential if you want your home to sell quickly and for the asking price or more. It’s important to create an environment that can resonate with buyers and help them to envision the property as their home. “Buyers don’t want to be greeted by an empty, dormant space when attending a viewing or looking at pictures online – rather they want to see how the space can be lived in and utilised by occupants, should they wish to make the purchase. “If you are selling, planning to sell, or just want a new way to think about how you live in your own home then this is the book for you.” The book launch follows the introduction of Lemon & Lime Interiors’ new app, Stageflow, that launched earlier this month. The app offers estate agents, property developers and home stagers the ability to evidence the benefits and return on investment, when using a home staging service. ‘Sell High, Sell Fast’ is available to purchase here via Amazon. A special offer is also running this week, which will reduce the price of the book’s Kindle edition to 99p and offer each buyer a free video consultation – where they can receive interior design tips or find out how to prepare their home for sale. To access this offer, please visit Lemon and Lime’s website here between 9 – 10 October 2020.
The challenges around our ageing demographic are growing, with additional incidents like COVID-19 putting a magnifying glass on the problems we already have and need to address. Action is required to ensure we can all Age Well without fear of loneliness, isolation, avoidable ill health and poor living conditions. In less than 20 years, it’s estimated that 25% of the population will be over the age of 65. Evidence dictates England needs to improve the quality of housing to be accessible, affordable, safe and comfortable to live in and the environment in which our housing sits is just as essential to support wellbeing. Zero carbon infrastructure and assistive technology will be vital to the effectiveness of housing, supporting people to live well and age well at home. Following the events of Covid-19 in 2020 it is more evident than ever that access to quality open space, to support health and wellbeing and the ability to meet and socialise in places that are attractive, comfortable and safe are essential components in the places we design and create. The accessibility of safe technology to provide virtual interaction, activity and social engagement will be vital to supporting people’s mental health and in preventing loneliness and isolation. The Good Home Inquiry launched data earlier this year showing approximately 10 million people in England spent the coronavirus lockdown in a home that presents a serious threat to their health and safety. With about 1.8 million adults living in damp and/or cold housing and, of these, more than one in ten people are living with health conditions potentially caused or exacerbated by poor housing, causing them to be ‘at greater risk’ of contracting and dying from coronavirus. According to data cited in the report, 4.3 million homes in England are what the government defines as ‘non-decent’ putting the health and wellbeing of their estimated 10 million inhabitants at risk. The report highlights that people who have been identified as most at risk of COVID-19, including older people, those with pre-existing health conditions and Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority groups, are more likely to be living in non-decent homes, along with those on low incomes. The issues a winter lockdown could generate, with increased fuel bills and exacerbated fuel poverty and people spending more time in their homes struggling to keep poorly insulated homes warm for longer periods are causing real concern to health and social care as the health of those most vulnerable will be negatively impact. The report calls on government to make sure at-risk groups have the support they need now to make their homes warmer, free from damp and mold, and safer. For some this means providing trusted information and advice to signpost them towards those who can help. For others, this will require more direct intervention such as financial support from Government to ensure homes are safe. In the longer term, much more needs to be done to fix the poor state of England’s housing with our existing housing stock amongst the worst in Europe. It will require collaboration of the highest scale across the public and private sectors to address these challenges, as no one organisation or body will have the capacity to meet the demand. Listening and learning from past and recent living experiences of people is essential to creating places fit for the future and innovation is vital to achieving better outcomes. As Henry Ford said, ‘if you always do what you’ve have always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got’, so it’s time for change. History demonstrates that challenging times promote creativity and some of the best new inventions came out of worldwide conflict and deprivation. For example, much of the technology we take for granted today was developed in the 2nd world war and has helped shape the world today and the invention of pressurised cabins to protect health has enabled safer flying, growth of worldwide economies and travel experiences for mankind. We have the next worldwide conflict on the horizon the pandemic which there is no vaccine for ‘Climate Change’ and an opportunity to create a better place and to slow down considerably its impact on the world and its future. It is all our responsibility to act now to prevent the catastrophic impact climate change will have on our future generation’s lives. As well as to address the inequalities and devastating impact of poor housing on today’s society. So, let’s be bold and ambitious like we had to be in the 1st and 2nd world wars and invest in innovative solutions for infrastructure, products and services which hit zero-carbon transitional targets and decentralise services. Localised solutions maximise positive outcomes for community wellbeing. Creating opportunity for effective collaboration bringing together the best ideas, best skills and best production of zero carbon accessible and affordable lifelong solutions, is a challenge we can all embrace if we work together. I am proud to work for ENGIE in a position where I can influence and be part of solutions for a better place and I am excited by the potential of what we can achieve with the support of our customers and partners. Sir Captain Tom Moore is spot on! ‘Tomorrow will be a better day’ if we want it to be and is an example of what good can come out of the simplest idea… Paula Broadbent – Retirement Solutions Director Places & Communities ENGIE UK & Ireland