Babcock’s Rosyth site is the first UK user of Meiko’s automated respirator washing technology, which provides Log 5 protection. “Along with being able to evidence compliance with regulations, we know that our people are supplied with fully maintained kit, to the highest levels of cleanliness,” says Colin Chrystal, Health, Safety
Following calls from architectural experts to save on carbon emissions by upgrading older buildings instead of knocking them down, building designers and specifiers should consider retrofitting solutions to improve overall sustainability. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) estimates that a sizeable proportion of a building’s lifecycle carbon is emitted
The construction industry is always looking for new ways to make the sector safer, easier and more efficient. From utilising modern AI to ensuring fast construction site broadband. Over recent decades, technology has evolved at a staggering rate, however, due to the strict requirements needed from construction to ensure safety,
Construction on a new 23,000 sq ft Mansfield-based Lidl store is on track to complete later this autumn, according to leading property and investment group Strawsons Property. Leeds-based contractor Castlehouse Construction has been appointed to the Leeming Lane development site which is prominently positioned on the main arterial route to
The real estate business is all that we want to start when we have enough investment in our hands. We cannot deny the fact that there are so many things which we have to think about before finalizing the deal. Here are some of the guiding steps which all of
If you are an avid “do-it-yourselfer,” you enjoy working on different home projects and repairs without needing to hire professionals. However, some projects may require you to rent or purchase equipment, such as a Scaffold, to complete your project safely. Here are the steps in making sure that you use the
DEVELOPERS Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates, the team behind the landmark Unity Square scheme in Nottingham, have acquired a number of key buildings in the heart of the city’s Southside area. The sites, which include Albion House in Greyfriar Gate, and Hanson House and Midland Scooter Centre in Collin Street, are
Work to install a 65-metre bridge, spanning the width of the M42, was completed in just two days and ahead of schedule as the motorway reopened to road users today (9 August) 22 hours earlier than planned. The works near Interchange Station move Solihull a step closer to the arrival
We were ready back then, and we’re even more ready now! Commonhold isn’t new to us, back in June 2019 the Fexco Property Services group was already looking at it. Being part of the larger Australian based Fexco where it is widely adopted as a type of property ownership, meant
The NHBC has presented Pasquill with a Pride in the Job award in recognition of their role supplying timber trusses to a development in Devon. For 40 years, Pride in the Job has celebrated the housebuilding industry and worked to build confidence in new homes. The competition focuses on exceptional
Babcock’s Rosyth site is the first UK user of Meiko’s automated respirator washing technology, which provides Log 5 protection. “Along with being able to evidence compliance with regulations, we know that our people are supplied with fully maintained kit, to the highest levels of cleanliness,” says Colin Chrystal, Health, Safety & Environmental Manager at Babcock’s Rosyth site. “We anticipate being able to fully inspect, disinfect and maintain 60 units per day, comfortably. Babcock’s Rosyth site is currently washing 10 masks per day using the Meiko TopClean M Cleaning and Disinfection system (3M 6000 full face respirators and 3M 7500 half mask respirators). “We are also investigating the possibility of cleaning our powered Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) head tops using the same system (3M M-200 series Versaflo and Speedglas head tops).” Babcock’s Rosyth site is home to one of the largest waterside manufacturing and repair facilities in the UK, and is embarking on a new era of digitising its facilities and systems to bring advancements and efficiencies into its manufacturing, build and assembly processes. It has retained a Five Star safety award for 18 consecutive years and has been awarded the Sword of Honour on 12 occasions from the British Safety Council. The site’s Safety Management System has been audited by Lloyd’s Register to the OHSAS 18001 standard, from which it will transition to ISO 45001 in August. Continues Colin Chrystal, “The previous process was to issue RPE to the individual, who was responsible for undertaking the cleaning and inspection of the RPE. However, we then took the decision to have all cleaning, maintenance, inspection and record keeping undertaken by trained warehouse operatives. “Our previous care and maintenance process relied on the person cleaning, inspecting and maintaining their RPE, and then recording it on a form that was passed to their Supervisor. We identified that a central pool with trained maintainers would improve this and our ability to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the PPE Regulations and HSG 53. “To achieve this, we had to move our provision of RPE from a one person, one mask system, to a pool system. We identified the Meiko TopClean M as key to ensuring support from our people. Being able to demonstrate the log 5* reduction in germ contamination was key to winning the hearts and minds of the individuals using it.” The new system should prove more ‘sustainable’ in terms of water/chemicals/energy savings. “An additional benefit is that, because we have moved to a pool system, the cost of supplying new RPE to individuals has reduced. The maintenance process is now environmentally efficient; our trained warehouse employees assess and inspect the RPE and replace parts, as required. We are now in a position where future projects will benefit from this process in term of costs and our people receiving the best kit. “Along with being able to evidence compliance with regulations, etc, we know that individuals are supplied with fully maintained kit, to the highest levels of cleanliness.” Introducing the new cleaning and disinfection process required on-site support and training from Meiko UK. Colin Chrystal rates the support from Meiko: “Good – all of our queries have been answered almost immediately!” Babcock Rosyth site is using Meiko’s TopClean M mask cleaning basket system. More information: * Log reduction is a measure of how thoroughly a decontamination process reduces the concentration of a contaminant or pathogen. The greater the log reduction, the more effective the product is at killing bacteria and other pathogens that can cause infections. A Log 5 reduction equates to 99.999% killing of pathogens. For more information on Meiko, contact: Mark Roberts, Marketing Manager Meiko UK Limited, 393 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4UF Tel: 01753 215120 E-Mail: MeikoUK@meiko-uk.co.uk
Following calls from architectural experts to save on carbon emissions by upgrading older buildings instead of knocking them down, building designers and specifiers should consider retrofitting solutions to improve overall sustainability. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) estimates that a sizeable proportion of a building’s lifecycle carbon is emitted during construction – 35% and 51% for office and residential properties respectively. These findings have prompted campaigns for developers to prioritise the restoration of older properties over demolishing and replacing them at high carbon costs. According to REHAU, retrofit piping solutions will be vital to ensuring the viability of this upgrade-centric approach and aiding the construction sector’s fight against climate change. “The Government committing the country to net zero emissions by 2050 has made improving sustainability a key concern across all sectors, including construction,” says Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions. “With that in mind, these RICS figures show just how damaging it can be to opt for new-builds over renovating older properties, especially at a time when we should be reducing emissions. “While building services suppliers should incorporate retrofit capabilities into their product designs as standard, it is now clearer than ever that this consideration should become a necessity. These solutions will be vital to improving the efficiency of older buildings in line with modern standards, while negating the carbon costs associated with creating the materials required to build a new property in their place.” A number of sustainable, high-performing solutions are already available for developers and specifiers looking to retrofit existing properties. These solutions, made from eco-friendly, recyclable polymer, include heating, plumbing and acoustic drainage systems that are easy to install and adapt to space and project demands, while improving building efficiency and performance. Steve concludes: “The carbon costs associated with their construction means new buildings may not pay back their carbon debt for decades. As such, retrofitting should become a priority for specifiers and developers looking to improve the sustainability of their operations, especially as lowering carbon emissions grows in importance in the run-up to 2050. “Opting for efficient building services solutions that can be adapted to suit existing properties is therefore crucial to reducing carbon emissions. With the support of suppliers such as REHAU, developers and specifiers are well-placed to adapt to these changing priorities and the challenges posed in upgrading these older buildings.” For more information on REHAU’s Building Solutions, click here.
The construction industry is always looking for new ways to make the sector safer, easier and more efficient. From utilising modern AI to ensuring fast construction site broadband. Over recent decades, technology has evolved at a staggering rate, however, due to the strict requirements needed from construction to ensure safety, it is only recently that these technologies have been able to meet the specifications needed to be used. In this article, we look at the top ten construction technology trends to look for in 2020. 1. Big Data Data is the currency of the modern world and with 2.5 quintillion bytes of data generated every day, it can be a struggle to manually interpret all of this and make proper use of it. Big data removes the almost impossible task of this, the human brain can only process so much, not to mention the natural errors that could be included in this process. Using big data to discover trends within data, within a matter of minutes, is shaping the face of the construction sector. This data is collated from all manner of resources, from internet search history, smartphones, social media and even photographs. Previous data can be used to pick out trends and patterns to help avoid pitfalls and aid in a successful project. It can even determine when a project should start by analysing weather patterns and traffic. 2. Artificial intelligence & Machine Learning AI is intelligence that mimics the behaviour of a human, ML is this but also learns from previous experience without having to be programmed and can avoid any previous errors. Both AI and ML are becoming essential to the world of construction. Machinery can be programmed to carry out manual tasks that are relative, such as bricklaying and welding, which means workers are free to carry out other tasks. It can even make a site safer, AI can look out for hazards and alert workers of dangers. It can even use photo recognition to ensure staff and visitors are wearing correct PPE. 3. The Internet of Things Most households use IoT, but construction sites are increasingly seeing this present as well. The IoT is when a central platform controls smart devices, such as phones, watches and speakers. This is being rolled out across the sector in fantastic new ways. Sensors are being installed in machinery, for example, cement mixers can alert workers when the contents are low and even engines can automatically switch off when not in use. Safety is increasing, workers wearing smart technology can be notified using geo-location when they have entered a danger zone. Footfall can even be tracked, reducing arduous paperwork and saving time. 4. Robotics & Drones No longer just for hobbyists, these amazing inventions are so versatile, most sectors are taking advantage. Drones can be used to fly in materials, in a fraction of the delivery time of vehicles. Not only does this speed up the process, but also reduce a site’s carbon footprint. Cameras on drones can be used for a quick, comprehensive overview of a site, meaning managers can quickly identify hazards. Demolition robots are becoming the norm, although flowers than using human workers, they are safer and less expensive. 5. 5G and Wi-Fi 6 No business can properly run without adequate communication, most of which is now done via the internet. While broadband is the best means of ensuring a fast, reliable connection, this isn’t always feasible on every site, especially when the project is short-term. 5G and wi-fi 6 are considerably faster than their predecessors and allow all team members to easily communicate with each other and clients while making sure that documentation and data are easily accessible throughout the project. 6. BIM Technology Building information modelling technology uses intelligence to aid designers during the initial process. BIM technology uses AI to flag clashes during the design process, including plumbing and electrics. It can even offer solutions to these clashes, meaning all those involved do not need expertise in every element in order to design a safe and functioning building. 7. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality VR creates a fully immersive experience into a virtual world while AR places digital elements into a real-life view. Virtual tours can be provided, even before the construction of a building starts, meaning clients can have a full picture of what to expect upon completion. Risk assessments can be completed remotely, allowing site managers to get a good view of every part of the design. This also removes the wait time for these team members to be present to carry out these assessments. 8. 3D Printing 3D printing is quickly becoming indispensable within the sector. Materials can be printed on-site, removing waiting times and reducing delivery vehicles on our roads contributing to carbon emissions. As these parts are relevantly cheap to produce, it provides the means to experiment with new designs and allow easy trial and error. There are times when bespoke pieces are required, which can be costly to have made as a one-off by manufacturers. Using 3D printing means almost anything can be created. 9. Mobile and Cloud Technologies Most of us use the cloud within our personal life, but it is quickly becoming one of the most important technologies within construction. Being able to share files instantly reduces time wasted between departments, while still ensuring these files are stored safely and securely. These can be updated in real-time, allowing better collaboration and communication. 10. Blockchain Technologies The most commonly known blockchain technology is Bitcoin. Digital currency can be stored safely as payment and ensures all parties are satisfied throughout the project. Payment is safely stored with a third party with an agreed contract in place. Once the contract has been satisfied, this payment is released. This removes the worry from clients not knowing if they will get what was expected and means contractors will always be paid upon completion. This year is proving an exciting year for construction technology trends, with these in place, construction
Construction on a new 23,000 sq ft Mansfield-based Lidl store is on track to complete later this autumn, according to leading property and investment group Strawsons Property. Leeds-based contractor Castlehouse Construction has been appointed to the Leeming Lane development site which is prominently positioned on the main arterial route to the North of Mansfield with easy access to the A60. The arrival of Lidl will further complement the wider commercial and retail offering in the area which includes the likes of Greggs and Screwfix at Old Mill Lane. Boasting over 100 car parking spaces, the new store will bring a significant number of jobs to the area and construction is anticipated to complete in September. Part of a long-term relationship with the retailer, this will be the 23rd store constructed by Castlehouse Construction on behalf of Lidl. Phil Dewell, Construction Director, Castlehouse Construction commented: “We are delighted to work with Strawsons Property to build our 23rd Lidl supermarket which will complement the wider commercial and retail offering in the area and forms part of the supermarket brand’s strategic growth plans.” Adam Jones of Strawsons Property commented: “We’re delighted that construction work on the new Mansfield Lidl which forms part of our Old Mill Lane estate is heading towards completion and that we are one step closer to delivering what will be an incredible asset to the local community. “Old Mill Lane continues to grow from strength to strength and we are proud to turn one of the last disused plots of land back into a use that will create a significant amount of jobs and an improved retail offering in the town.” Strawsons Property is a private property development and investment group with more than 50 years’ experience. The company focuses on developments and schemes that meet local needs and aspirations – spanning office, residential, industrial and mixed-use sectors.
The real estate business is all that we want to start when we have enough investment in our hands. We cannot deny the fact that there are so many things which we have to think about before finalizing the deal. Here are some of the guiding steps which all of us can follow in this regard. Keep them in mind, and we are sure that they will bring the best out of your business. Develop and refine your idea You must develop your idea, and refine it to make sure that everything comes with it in a sequence. There has to be an organization in all that you do, and if it is missing, then you cannot expect your business to thrive or progress in the future. Write a business plan You can also look for a real estate agent at Inner West, and get the ideal guideline about how you can also start the best real estate business like them. The process is simple, but all you have to do is to keep in mind that how great of a deal it would be for you to get the results in your business as you want. The business plan which they use is simple, but the execution is what you will learn from them. So, keep that information in your mind, and be sure that you work on it to get the results that you expect from them in the long run. Decide your legal business structure There should be a legal business structure that you have to follow in every way possible. This will help you stay on the right track for the business which you want to do. Try to keep that in your mind, and be sure that there is nothing wrong that can go in your way. This is how it works, and this is how you can start a good business in this field. Get a license The licensing of your real estate business is also very important. Try to keep this in your mind that there is nothing better than having the option of dealing with the authorities that are working in your state or country. Try to keep them in your mind, and be sure that you work out through them to get the actual results that are expected from you. Conclusion For a business-like real estate, there is no short cut. Just like all other business units, you have to do all of the things in your capacity to make sure that they al work in the best way possible for you. Try to keep this in your mind, and be sure that they are working for the business you are selecting to start. It could be from any field of real estate, so keep this in your mind, and make sure that it works very well for you in the long run as well. We are sure that the information which we have shared with you is of great value for you.
If you are an avid “do-it-yourselfer,” you enjoy working on different home projects and repairs without needing to hire professionals. However, some projects may require you to rent or purchase equipment, such as a Scaffold, to complete your project safely. Here are the steps in making sure that you use the scaffold correctly. Step 1: Realize the Need to Use Scaffolding When planning to work on home projects that are too high for you to reach, consider using scaffolding instead of ladders. Scaffoldings will give you a stable and wide platform where you can work on. This platform will also allow you to place your tools safely without them falling to the ground. Scaffolding can also save you a lot of time and energy since you do not need to constantly move a ladder when the area you need to work on is already out of reach. Scaffoldings also have guardrails that prevent you from falling over. However, it is still important not to rely on the guardrail by leaning your full body weight against them. When using scaffoldings, it is better to give an allowance from the guardrail and your body. The most common Scaffold that you can purchase or hire for home projects consists of 5 ft by 5 ft standard end frames and cross braces, which will make a 7 ft long Scaffold with a working height of 4 to 6 feet. If you need to work at much higher heights, you can combine two scaffolding sets. However, when working on a DIY home project, limit your height to two combined scaffolding heights to ensure stability. Step 2: Assembling the Frame and Base The most important part of assembling the scaffolding is to set up a solid foundation. The best way to do this is to assemble the base on solid and flat ground. If you need to set up your scaffolding on grass, gravel, or soft material, assemble them on top of 2×10 lumber to prevent the base from sinking. Never use bricks or scrap woods to level your scaffolding base since they may slip and cause accidents. Most scaffolding sets have adjusting screws to level the foundation. Step 3: Adding the Planks and Guardrails Do not cut costs on your scaffolding purchase or rental by not including the special planks and guardrails that come with the set. Specialized planks have hooks that secure your working platform in place. Please do not attempt to use ordinary wood planks as a working surface since they may not be strong enough or may slip when stepped on. Guard rails may be installed only on the outward-facing side of the Scaffold as long as the side facing the building is within 14 inches away from the wall. Step 4: Create Your Workstation Become more efficient by setting up a workstation on your scaffolding platform. Please put all your materials and tools in a bucket and raise them using a rope once you are on top of your platform. Step 5: Scaffolding Accessories and Safety Tips Most scaffolding sets may come with different types of casters that allow you to move the scaffolding without taking it. However, when using casters, it is important to install a horizontal brace between the two outside frames to make the scaffolding sturdier. Never attempt to roll the scaffolding with workers or materials still on top of the planks. Make sure also to lock the casters before climbing the scaffolding.
DEVELOPERS Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates, the team behind the landmark Unity Square scheme in Nottingham, have acquired a number of key buildings in the heart of the city’s Southside area. The sites, which include Albion House in Greyfriar Gate, and Hanson House and Midland Scooter Centre in Collin Street, are set to play an important role in the ongoing redevelopment of this area. Once developed, the sites could accommodate some 300,000 sq ft of prime office space with an end value of £150m, bringing much-needed employment space into this part of the city centre. Managing director of Peveril Securities, Ralph Jones said: “We are delighted to complete this strategic purchase of these sites with Sladen Estates which, combined with our control of Ocean Nightclub, will allow us to play a major part in the redevelopment of this area, building upon our recent successes in Nottingham city centre with our 275,000 sq ft pre let at Unity Square to HMRC. “The sites are suitable for a range of uses and could include a mix of office and residential space that will be complementary to the neighbouring uses currently under development. Despite the current challenges facing the country, we have been encouraged by Nottingham’s resilience and believe the site is ideally placed to continue the growth the city had been experiencing prior to COVID-19.” Discussions are already underway with Nottingham City Council to determine a suitable use for the site, with consideration also given to any future plans for the redevelopment of intu Broadmarsh following its transfer to council control in recent weeks. Chief executive of Sladen Estates, Nick Sladen added: “Sladen and Peveril have an intimate knowledge of the local market and national development and contracting expertise so we jointly have the scale, expertise and resources to make the most of the opportunity that our latest purchase presents.” The announcement comes immediately after the partnership announced the acquisition of 34 acres of development land in Bicester, Oxfordshire to develop a £350m office park. For more information, please visit: www.sladenestates.co.uk
Work to install a 65-metre bridge, spanning the width of the M42, was completed in just two days and ahead of schedule as the motorway reopened to road users today (9 August) 22 hours earlier than planned. The works near Interchange Station move Solihull a step closer to the arrival of HS2, Britain’s new low carbon high speed railway. In an engineering feat led by specialist engineering contractor, Expanded and HS2 enabling works contractor, LMJV (Laing O’Rourke and J. Murphy & Sons Joint Venture), the 2,750-tonne bridge structure was carried along the motorway on a self-propelled modular transporter. The 448-wheel transporter took just one hour and 45 minutes to move the bridge span 150 metres, where it was affixed to a composite concrete deck to complete the overall bridge structure. Traditional construction methods would have required several weeks of lane closures on both carriageways, followed by additional weekend and overnight closures. HS2 CEO Mark Thurston, was joined by Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor, to observe the bridge being moved into place. Mark Thurston, HS2 Ltd’s CEO said: “This new road bridge is the first permanent structure to be installed along the route of Britain’s new railway. Today represents an important milestone for the project and the West Midlands region – which is already benefiting from thousands of jobs and renewed investment as a result of HS2. “Constructing the bridge off site and using innovative engineering practices to install it over the motorway enabled us to carry out the work in just two days, keeping disruption to a minimum for road users”. The successful installation marks the completion of the first of four bridges to be built close to the new Interchange Station. It will form part of the major remodelling of the regional road network to improve the circulation of traffic around the HS2 railway line and connect the existing road network to the new Interchange Station. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Seeing major construction activity like this in Solihull is hugely encouraging as it shows HS2 is now truly underway. In just a few years, the HS2 station at Interchange and further investments in public transport will help make Solihull one of the best connected places in the UK. “Today’s work also comes at a critical time for the West Midlands, as we look to bounce back economically from the coronavirus crisis. Major infrastructure projects like HS2 have a critical role to play as they help stimulate demand and create and secure local jobs for local people”. Once complete HS2 will bring the West Midlands within an hour’s commute of Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, York and London, making it one of the most connected parts in the country. HS2 is already transforming the region, spearheading regeneration and economic investment in Birmingham and surrounding towns, including Solihull. HS2’s Interchange station is at the heart of the UK Central Hub growth area which will create 70,000 new and safeguarded jobs, up to 5,000 new homes and 650,000 square metres of commercial space. Andrew Stephenson MP, HS2 Minister, said “The installation of this innovative bridge across the M42, ahead of schedule and with minimum disruption, demonstrates our dedication to delivering this vital rail connection to the West Midlands as efficiently and as quickly as possible. “It’s an achievement of British construction and marks another step forward in this historic project, which will leave a legacy of better connections and regional growth for generations to come”. Companies from the Midlands and the North played a leading role in the construction of the deck components and supply of the 1,130 tonnes of steel plate girders and 1,610 tonnes of precast and insitu concrete. Simon Russell, LMJV project director, said: “This is British construction, design and engineering innovation at its finest. “Major components of the bridge and its supports were built offsite under safe, high quality conditions, then transported to site for assembly. Advanced digital capabilities allowed us to design all elements of the structure in a virtual world, before building it for real, and I am delighted that the work was completed safely and ahead of schedule”. Mr Thurston and the West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street were joined by Solihull MBC leader, Councillor Ian Courts; MP for Meriden, Saqib Bhatti; Maria Machancoses, Midlands Connect Director; and Nick Brown, Chair of the Urban Growth Company. The delegation joined forces to mark the engineering milestone, recognising it as an important first step in cementing the West Midlands’ status at the heart of the HS2 network. Further work in preparation for the arrival of HS2 is scheduled to take place later this year. A similar bridge placement will be installed over the A446, ahead of two more bridge structures being installed which will span the new high-speed railway line. Over 9,000 people and 2,000 UK businesses have been part of the HS2 journey so far, and it is estimated that the project will support at least another 20,000 roles as it hits peak construction. HS2 Ltd is currently recruiting for 300 people to join the team at its flagship Birmingham office, as main construction works start in earnest this summer. For more information about HS2’s live recruitment campaign or to complete a skills match assessment visit www.hs2.org.uk/hs2-and-you/
We were ready back then, and we’re even more ready now! Commonhold isn’t new to us, back in June 2019 the Fexco Property Services group was already looking at it. Being part of the larger Australian based Fexco where it is widely adopted as a type of property ownership, meant we were ahead of the game over a year ago. Back then we wrote about Fexco having built the largest strata management group in Australia (https://picagroup.com.au/) managing in excess of 200,000 apartments as well as a further 60,000 via a franchise operation. The vast majority are homes in strata title schemes, so commonhold management is something we are very familiar with as an organisation. Read the full article HERE. However, Commonhold is something that the UK property industry has typically shied away from – the feeling is that it’s just not necessary. The concerns within the industry appear to be around the additional work that may be involved to bring about this change, and that the current Leasehold set up could just as easily be tweaked to provide a similar offering. Whilst this is a valid point, as an organisation, we feel that the advantages outweigh any changes that are necessary to bring it about. It’s not new – Part I of the Commonhold & Leasehold Reform Act 2002 (the Act) was finally enacted in September 2004 introducing commonhold as a new form of freehold ownership, an alternative to the Leasehold system. It can be used for commercial, residential and mixed-use premises, and it addresses two of the problems currently encountered by tenants of residential leasehold buildings; firstly the enforcement of covenants between tenants and secondly the diminishing value of leasehold property as an asset. Via a Commonhold Community statement tenants (or Unit Holders) will benefit from greater transparency, and because the unit-holder will own the freehold interest to its unit, rather than a diminishing leasehold interest, Commonhold properties may attract a premium as a result. And there are other benefits additional to these two. Units are likely to be sold more quickly due to lower associated costs, no 7-year period restriction on resale, and because the Commonhold Community statement and associated documents will be set as non-negotiable. Of course, as with most things, there will always be a few downsides to consider, such as the potential lack of control the Commonhold Association may have on non-paying Units. It is most definitely not a system that will suit everyone, nor is set up to be a unifiable ‘fit’ for everyone’s requirements, and having tenants living and effectively ‘working’ together may cause some discomfort along the way. But we are ready to embrace all of these changes and can easily cope with what Commonhold may bring. We are in the best place to guide clients towards a Commonhold system and help them with this transition. We’re confident that providing the best advice will not mean losing a client. The ‘legal personality’ of the client might change but the work required remains the same. Unlike some in the industry – we are not shy of change. Being equipped to provide the best advice when it comes to it means if it’s going to happen, we’re ready! Jennifer Holmes Fexco Property Services
The NHBC has presented Pasquill with a Pride in the Job award in recognition of their role supplying timber trusses to a development in Devon. For 40 years, Pride in the Job has celebrated the housebuilding industry and worked to build confidence in new homes. The competition focuses on exceptional site managers, along with the suppliers and contractors who support them in the goal of creating high quality homes. Pasquill, the UK’s leading supplier of timber roof trusses, was acknowledged for supporting Baker Estates with its Hayne Lane development in Honiton. The collection of two, three-and four-bedroom homes, garages and flats were supplied with trusses and spandrel panels via Pasquill’s Bodmin site. The trusses for the houses are a mix of standard trusses with some raised tie trusses. Chris Powell, Sales Director at Pasquill, said: “These days a little bit of good news goes a long way. This is a terrific achievement, so I’d like to say thank you to all my colleagues who were involved on this project – from administrator to delivery driver. “Building quality homes is the goal, and it takes a team of experts to achieve this. We’re proud to have played our part and are delighted to be recognised alongside our fellow suppliers.” For more information, please visit www.pasquill.co.uk