The shortlist for the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) first ever Rising Star Award has been revealed. A total of 12 of the very best construction professionals at the beginning of their careers have been named in the shortlist. The Rising Star Award is being run by the Chartered Institute of Building
Move comes after “wave of applications to Part One beat all expectations” HS2 Ltd has today (Monday 17 August) launched the second tranche of recruitment to its Innovation Accelerator programme, following the overwhelming response to its first call out to tech start-ups and innovative SMEs earlier this year. The company
Delivering safer, faster, more cost-efficient and traceable high torque bolt tightening for critical applications in the energy sector are the key objectives of a new range of cordless smart battery nutrunners, launched by Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions. Previously expensive and time-consuming installation and maintenance processes carried out
Parliamentary Taskforce will investigate key opportunities and challenges facing UK suburbs. The cross-party Suburban Taskforce has today launched a public ‘Call for Evidence’ to help chart a course towards a suburban renaissance across the country. The Taskforce draws politicians from both Houses of Parliament to review evidence of the state
Until the 1960s, there was a big focus on how daylight could help prevent the development of myopia in children. Now, there’s a renewed interest in daylighting classrooms to protect the eyesight of young children, with solutions like our modular classrooms proving incredibly popular. With this in mind, we consulted
WernerCo’s Director of Product Engineering, Steve Lock, has recently been promoted to take on new responsibilities for EMEA projects and aligning the European offering. With over 15 year’s experience leading multi-disciplined engineering teams to deliver product solutions for customers, including five years as Technical Director at J.P Hare Ltd, Steve
The day-to-day cost of running your business can work out to be far more expensive than it should or needs to be – but there are simple ways to reduce your overhead costs. From rethinking the space you work in, to auditing your stationery order you can cut costs while
~ Euramax releases infographic on benefits modular construction brings to housing market ~ Yorkshire based window and door manufacturer, Euramax, has released an infographic that outlines the UK’s current struggles to create enough affordable homes for first time buyers. Following the UK government’s recent creation of a First Homes scheme,
The Northern Ireland Protocol will take effect from 1 January 2021. New guidance provides support for businesses engaging in new processes under the Northern Ireland Protocol. The guidance outlines that, under the Northern Ireland Protocol, the UK Government will ensure that: Moving goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain should
British homeowners have spent an average of £4,035.70 each on renovations as they expect to stay home for the long term Home pub makes post-pandemic pad wish list alongside garden studio and indoor gym as emerging social areas look set to add value to homes Garden is the most popular lockdown refurb
The shortlist for the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) first ever Rising Star Award has been revealed. A total of 12 of the very best construction professionals at the beginning of their careers have been named in the shortlist. The Rising Star Award is being run by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) for the first time this year, as an extension to their prestigious Construction Manager of the Year awards (CMYA). This brand new category is for rising stars who have been in the construction industry for seven years or less, and demonstrated excellence in their work, the industry and amongst their peers. The finalists have been whittled down by a panel of CIOB and construction professionals to Silver and Gold winners. The awards for the first ever CIOB Rising Stars will be presented at a glittering ceremony on 25 November 2020 in London, with the Rising Star winner being handed their trophy at the CMYA celebration event. Further details of the night and how to attend can be found on the CMYA website: www.cmya.co.uk/. Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive of the CIOB said: “These awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown by the emerging talent in our industry. I’m thrilled that we had so many nominations for our first ever Rising Star award and I’m looking forward to finding out who takes the title this year. My congratulations to everyone who’s made the shortlist.” The finalists are as follows: Kelly Attwood – Morgan Sindall Sam Bambury – Barratt London Vasiliki Bowler – Faithful + Gould Ellie Carswell – Faithful + Gould Annabel Clark – Faithful + Gould Cedric Fournier – Prime Pillar Group (Mauritius) Nicola Hodson MCIOB – Wates Group Graham Kinnear MCIOB – Graham Kinnear Property Consultant Ltd Mercy Ogunnusi MCIOB – Student & part-time lecturer at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen Lindsey Platt MCIOB – Orbit Housing Association Benjamin Valliquette – Gillam Group (Toronto) Robert Watson – NHBC
Move comes after “wave of applications to Part One beat all expectations” HS2 Ltd has today (Monday 17 August) launched the second tranche of recruitment to its Innovation Accelerator programme, following the overwhelming response to its first call out to tech start-ups and innovative SMEs earlier this year. The company behind Britain’s largest-ever transport infrastructure project is looking to recruit five more small firms with bright ideas on (i) how people can best spend time at stations before their train goes; and (ii) how to optimise digital solutions for building HS2 to make every second count. The winning five entrants will join the first cohort, chosen from 109 applications from the first recruitment programme, who will work on the challenges of: productivity; environment; and the circular economy. Ideas include 3D concrete printing and using automated drone technology to assist with the planting of seven million trees along the HS2 route. From today (17 August) an online application portal [https://www.innovationbham.com/high-speed-two-ltd-accelerator] will be open for one month, after which time HS2 Ltd will choose five of the companies entered to take forward on the Innovation Accelerator. The Accelerator will provide commercial and technical support and rent-free Birmingham-based working space to develop their proposal. After six months, solutions will be showcased and pitched to industry investors and HS2’s supply chain, which is made up of the thousands of suppliers. HS2 Ltd Head of Innovation, Howard Mitchell said: “We received over 100 applications from innovative tech start-ups and SMEs to join Cohort One of HS2’s Innovation Accelerator programme, which beat all our expectations. “The level of interest underlines the opportunity that HS2 offers to some of the most innovative and dynamic young firms in the country. “I’m therefore extremely positive about the prospects for Cohort Two, and new thinking on how we build Britain’s new high speed rail network, and enable passengers to make best use of their time in our stations. “ The Portal closes to applications on 18 September. HS2 will announce the successful enterprises in the autumn.
Delivering safer, faster, more cost-efficient and traceable high torque bolt tightening for critical applications in the energy sector are the key objectives of a new range of cordless smart battery nutrunners, launched by Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions. Previously expensive and time-consuming installation and maintenance processes carried out using hydraulic wrench methods, on wind turbines for example, have been made much faster and more cost-effective, as a result of Atlas Copco’s proven tensor motor technology, which delivers the world’s most productive output. Enhancing safety and comfort further, the ergonomically optimised SRB HA smart battery nutrunner is the only product of its type on the market equipped with a dual trigger, designed to minimise the risk of finger pinch injury. The single operator tool has a torque rating of up to 4000Nm and an internal torque transducer for maximum control and reliability. Clear operator feedback is provided with multi-functional LEDs, displaying OK/NOK status messages based on torque and angle readings. With three models available, the entry level SRB HA Digital version has a ‘Set and Go’ function, so it’s ready for use straight out of the box. The Smart and Connected models feature an internal WIFI server, allowing the tools to be linked to any mobile device. This enables torque, angle and batch data collection without the need for additional software. For the ultimate in functionality and process control, the SRB HA features an accessory bus for a barcode scanner and can also be integrated into overlying systems for live data feed and analysis. Commenting on the launch of its new smart nutrunner range, powered by Lithium-Ion 36V battery technology with charging and health indicators, James McAllister, General Manager, Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions, said: “By combining market-leading safety and performance with mobile connectivity, the SRB HA enables operators to take the smart factory into the field, making it the world’s most advanced and productive battery nutrunner. Being able to control and measure torque in real time with precise accuracy adds significant value to customers operating in challenging environments, as it not only improves safety but also reduces time spent on tasks and saves money. This frees up operators to work on different applications and we believe some companies could save over £40,000 per year in direct costs alone. “Atlas Copco’s launch of the SRB HA range represents an innovative addition to our portfolio of smart tooling solutions, in pursuit of zero defect assembly and maintenance. This superior level of traceability and data-driven insight is a real asset in helping companies improve both human and business performance, which is all the more compelling in the current economic climate.”
Parliamentary Taskforce will investigate key opportunities and challenges facing UK suburbs. The cross-party Suburban Taskforce has today launched a public ‘Call for Evidence’ to help chart a course towards a suburban renaissance across the country. The Taskforce draws politicians from both Houses of Parliament to review evidence of the state of Britain’s suburbs and then make recommendations to the Government on policy initiatives to enhance them. The Taskforce, which is co-chaired by Dr Rupa Huq MP and David Simmons MP, aims to support the long-term sustainability of suburban areas. It was announced in March 2020, following a commitment by Jake Berry MP (formerly Minister of State for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth) that the Government would consider its recommendations. The Taskforce will seek to identify national trends but, in first phase, have particular regard to London. When identifying solutions, it will pay attention to current circumstances (social, economic and environmental) as well as policy tools available (taxation, investment and the planning system). It will be supported by UCL’s Bartlett School of Planning, the All Party Parliamentary Group for London’s Planning and Built Environment, and an expert Advisory Board. Commenting on the launch of the Taskforce’s Call for Evidence its Co-Chair of the Taskforce, Dr Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central & Acton stated: “Our Suburbs are the home of the majority of our population and at risk of being overlooked and neglected. It is net curtains for representatives who ignore the plight of suburbia; the majority of those in parliament represent precisely such constituencies.” “The traditional vision of the Suburbs as an ideal balance between town and country is being challenged conceptually, visually and operationally. Suburbs have been considered unproblematic and left by themselves under the pressures of austerity and are now facing the problems of inequality and underfunding whilst still being under pressure to expand or intensify.” “This Taskforce draws those from all political backgrounds to focus on the suburbs, seeking to understand what ‘suburban’ really means in modern Britain. Now, as we emerge from a pandemic which may well redefine our relationship to the places in which we live, work and play is the right time for that.” Chair of the Advisory Board, Jonathan Manns, added: “The recent pandemic has reminded us of the importance of our suburbs and the Taskforce is a key step towards giving these areas the attention they deserve to ensure they are sustained and enhanced in the future.” “I wish to encourage those from all backgrounds, whether individuals or organisations, whatever their experiences or expertise, to actively support this important work and respond to this ‘Call for Evidence’. The more data and perspectives received, the more effective the Taskforce can be in considering the issues and opportunities facing these crucial parts of our towns and cities.” Academic Advisor, UCL’s Dr Lucy Natarajan, commented: “The purpose of this consultation is to hear from suburban areas about the challenges and opportunities facing them. This is vitally important to the Taskforce, in order to work towards a shared understanding of the unique situations facing suburbs in the UK today and what this means for achieving aspirations of equality.” www.suburban-taskforce.org
Until the 1960s, there was a big focus on how daylight could help prevent the development of myopia in children. Now, there’s a renewed interest in daylighting classrooms to protect the eyesight of young children, with solutions like our modular classrooms proving incredibly popular. With this in mind, we consulted an expert to help us learn more about the link between daylight and a child’s learning and development. The Benefits of Natural Light: The Expert View To help us learn more about how natural light helps the learning and development of children, we spoke to Dhruvin Patel, who is the Optometrist & Founder of Ocushield. “Thank you for speaking to us Dhruvin. Firstly, what are the wider health benefits of natural light?” The most common benefit of natural light is its positive impact on our health. It regulates our sleep-wake cycle and puts different hormonal functions in place. It also increases serotonin levels, which are responsible for our sense of appetite, memory, energy and sleepiness. “How does natural light impact learning? For example, how does it help brain function, memory and health?” In humans, the retina detects light using specialised photoreceptor cells. These can be further expressed by a photopigment cell called melanopsin, which sends messages to an area in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). Here, a cascade of events take place that regulate many functions in the body such as metabolism, attention, stress response, endocrine function and more. Therefore as you wake up, natural light is a great resource for your body to get into action. If you’re someone who struggles to get out of bed, you should open the blinds as soon as you wake up. If this isn’t possible, use a specialised light source that emits a powerful intensity light. About 10,000 lux at 25cm is the industry standard and it will take about 30 minutes for you to feel the full effects. “What are the differences between an adult brain and a child’s brain in this context?” Children’s eyes absorb more light and more blue light in general. This is because their pupils generally are larger than an adult’s, which means more light enters. A child’s eyes are not fully developed until their teenage years, therefore children are more at risk of having their circadian rhythms (sleep-wake cycle) disturbed. “From a brain function, memory and health point of view, what makes up the ideal learning environment for children?” We know putting down devices is not always possible; especially with schools now giving iPads to children to do homework on. But, you can use software that limits blue light such as night mode on iPads, or you can use blue light filters such as Ocushield. Interestingly, high levels of oxygen also keep us more awake. This means breathing exercises in the morning can kick start a child’s body for the day. When in classrooms, learning with sufficient fresh air or even outside (not always practical) would work best. How Else Can Parents Prepare Their Children for the School Day? Increasing the amount of natural light your child receives is clearly very important for their learning and development. With classroom environments expected to look different to accommodate the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, more open spaces will be one avenue explored. But, there are a number of other ways you can also help prepare them for the school day, including… Altering their sleeping environment Your young child’s sleeping environment shouldn’t be a place where they play, so consider removing all toys from the room. Once you’ve established the room as a place for sleep, you should make every possible effort to help make them feel safe and secure. This could include the addition of a nightlight and maybe the presence of some additional heat. Establishing a routine A bedtime routine helps your child understand what is expected of them when it’s time to go to bed. The activities you choose are entirely up to you, but you should do the same things at the same time each night. Stop technology use before bed Televisions, mobile phones and tablets are all useful for keeping children entertained, but they can prevent your child going to sleep because they suppress the hormones that cause sleepiness. So, try replacing this device use with either calming music or a bedtime story. Encourage self-settling Hearing your child cry is awful, but teaching them to self-settle rather than being reliant on you is a crucial step. Always encourage your child quietly back to bed and ensure they receive the same response from you each time. Establish a healthy diet Your child’s food and drink intake can impact their learning and sleep. For example, if they drink caffeinated drinks such as coffee or fizzy pop, they’ll find it harder to sleep. Similarly, eating a large meal before bed can prevent sleep. If your child has an early bedtime, then it’s likely they’ll need to eat before the rest of the family does. Encourage your child to exercise If your child is inactive throughout the day, they may struggle to sleep at night. So, encourage them to take part in after-school activities like clubs and sports teams. If they’re not particularly sporty, then just walking with them will help. To conclude, the amount of sleep your child receives each night is very important for their learning and development but, as our expert has shown us, the amount of light they receive in a school setting is also crucial. Thankfully, our modular classrooms are designed to filter in as much light as possible, so children receive the full learning benefits of working in natural light rather than potentially damaging blue light. Contact us today to learn more.
WernerCo’s Director of Product Engineering, Steve Lock, has recently been promoted to take on new responsibilities for EMEA projects and aligning the European offering. With over 15 year’s experience leading multi-disciplined engineering teams to deliver product solutions for customers, including five years as Technical Director at J.P Hare Ltd, Steve is now responsible for delivering EMEA projects and the European business, which aligns all major products and utilises the wider company expertise in this field. Steve now also leads product engineering and development across all UK brands as WernerCo bids farewell to Paul Bruton, who retired last month after 45 years spent in the ladder industry, following an in-depth transition period. Justin White, Managing Director at WernerCo, commented: “We are delighted to have Steve in the team, as he brings with him extensive knowledge that will be invaluable to the future development of our product ranges in the coming years. His responsibility for EMEA projects also comes at an exciting time as we look forward to a number of major new product developments later this year as we get back to business following the impact of Coronavirus. “Steve steps into the large shoes left behind by Paul Bruton, who has been an integral part of the team at WernerCo over many years.” To find out more information on the range of access solutions from WernerCo visit www.wernerco.com
The day-to-day cost of running your business can work out to be far more expensive than it should or needs to be – but there are simple ways to reduce your overhead costs. From rethinking the space you work in, to auditing your stationery order you can cut costs while pushing your business forward. Here are our 4 top tips for reducing the overhead costs of your business. 1. Think about your work space The cost of renting office space can be a huge drain on your business expenses. If working from an office is absolutely necessary, why not shop around for appropriate space close by with lower rates of rent? While it might be a big business decision to make, it might be worth reconsidering if you need a permanent office space at all? Of course, this is all dependent on your business type, culture and if the work you do can be carried out away from an office – but remote working is quickly emerging as the ‘new normal’. By way of compromise, you could consider utilizing a local coworking space. 2. Review supply orders If getting rid of your office space entirely isn’t something you could even begin to consider, then it’s time to have a look at cost-cutting within your office. Have you been putting in the same repeat order of office supplies for years without reviewing what you’re buying? It’s an easy thing to do – especially when your time is consumed with keeping clients happy and producing the best work possible. However, this is an essential part of reducing overhead costs – it’s imperative that you regularly review your orders. For instance, have you been ordering the same amount and brand of ink and toner cartridge since you bought your printer? If the answer is yes, branded ink and toner is notoriously expensive and you can actually buy compatible versions from reputable suppliers that work in exactly the same way. It’s little adjustments such as this that could make all the difference. 3. Reevaluate your accounting This is something that can absolutely work both ways. You need to figure out whether there’s more value in spending your time doing client work or can you spare some time/do you have the right amount of knowledge to do your own accounting? If you have an accountant and incur any penalties due to errors, they will usually pay those on your behalf. Accountants and professionals in the tax field are also more likely to find things you may have overlooked. Whichever way you choose to play it, you will need to calculate what will reduce your overheads the most over time. 4. Look at your marketing expenditure There are many different ways to reduce your sales and marketing costs. You’ll need to begin by doing an audit of all your current outgoings related to marketing and figure out what is the most effective method. There may be regular marketing expenses you’ve been paying for a really long time that no longer make sense and don’t result in generating you revenue. Have you been paying for printed materials that remain in cardboard boxes tucked under your desk? Does that radio advert still pay off? There’s lots you can look at and strip away the things that might cost a lot and yet not yield any valuable business. You’ll always be able to find ways to cut costs when you regularly reevaluate expenditure – hopefully, these tips set you on the path to successfully reducing your overheads.
~ Euramax releases infographic on benefits modular construction brings to housing market ~ Yorkshire based window and door manufacturer, Euramax, has released an infographic that outlines the UK’s current struggles to create enough affordable homes for first time buyers. Following the UK government’s recent creation of a First Homes scheme, many hopeful homeowners still remain uncertain that they will have enough funds to make it onto the property ladder. In order to create enough homes to meet demand, the government has predicted that over 300,000 homes must be built each year until 2025. A lack of housing is not the only factor affecting the UK housing market. Many first-time buyers are unable to get onto the property ladder due to the high cost of an initial deposit. To help first time buyers, the government announced the First Homes scheme in February 2020. The scheme, which has been prioritised for key workers such as those in the Armed Forces, police and teachers, will offer a 30 per cent discount on new homes. However, analysis by homeless charity Shelter has found that 96 per cent of average earners would still not be able to afford a home under this scheme. Modular construction has become a standout method in the construction industry. Builds can be completed quicker and because fewer resources are required in their construction, they are usually cheaper to build and buy. This could offer a more affordable solution for the first time buyers struggling to get onto the property ladder. Euramax originally supplied windows for narrow boats and the static and touring caravan market, before expanding into the modular and offsite construction sectors in 2019. “Though Euramax has not supplied into the modular sector as long as it has caravans, assessing the industry and connecting with professionals has helped us to gain a strong insight into the potential of modular construction”, said managing director, Nick Cowley. “We now supply our products to a number of modular home manufacturers across the country. “Modular constructions can be built up to 50 per cent faster than traditional brick and mortar homes. This quick completion time has recently helped to build emergency hospitals and additional wards, as well as school classrooms. Modular builds can be completed quicker because the build is prefabricated offsite, in a factory-controlled environment. “Unlike traditionally built homes that require extensive site preparation before construction can commence, fabrication of the modules can start right away. Because a modular build is predominantly constructed offsite, there is little disruption from factors such as the weather and quality checks can be carried out beforehand. “It’s clear to see that a lot more must be done to help more first-time buyers enter the property market. That’s why we are dedicated to supporting this industry and recently supplied modular home manufacturer Ilke Homes, with windows and doors for 2,000 of their modular homes,” added Cowley. To learn more about how Euramax’s range of PVCu windows and doors and composite doors can support the modular industry, visit the website.
The Northern Ireland Protocol will take effect from 1 January 2021. New guidance provides support for businesses engaging in new processes under the Northern Ireland Protocol. The guidance outlines that, under the Northern Ireland Protocol, the UK Government will ensure that: Moving goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain should take place as it does now – there will be no additional process, paperwork, or restrictions on Northern Ireland goods moving to Great Britain, delivering unfettered access. Changes for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will be kept to an absolute minimum – with a new Trader Support Service, available to all traders at no cost, to be established to provide wraparound support, alongside guidance on the processes for food and agricultural products designed to uphold the longstanding status of the island of Ireland as a single epidemiological unit. Trade in goods between Northern Ireland and Ireland, and between Northern Ireland and EU Member States, will continue unaffected, with no change at the border, no new paperwork, and no tariffs or regulatory checks. For trade with the rest of the world, Northern Ireland will benefit from UK FTAs – ensuring the benefits of those agreements are felt right across the United Kingdom. If businesses are impacted by these changes, they may want to consider the Trader Support Service. It can help businesses if they: move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring goods into Northern Ireland from outside the UK; act on behalf of someone to move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring goods into Northern Ireland from outside the UK; are based in Northern Ireland and receive goods from outside of Northern Ireland; send parcels between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring parcels into Northern Ireland from outside the UK, using Royal Mail or an express operator. The Trader Support Service will be free to use and will guide businesses through any changes to the way goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and into Northern Ireland from outside the UK. Businesses can also use it to get declarations completed on their behalf. Businesses can register an interest in the Trader Support Service here. Apply for grants if your business completes customs declarations Businesses can apply for 3 grants to help their business complete customs declarations. They can apply to get funding for: training that helps a business to complete customs declarations and processes; hiring new staff to help their business complete customs declarations; IT improvements to help their business complete customs declarations more efficiently. More information on the scheme and how to apply is available here.
British homeowners have spent an average of £4,035.70 each on renovations as they expect to stay home for the long term Home pub makes post-pandemic pad wish list alongside garden studio and indoor gym as emerging social areas look set to add value to homes Garden is the most popular lockdown refurb for homeowners and veg patches make a comeback With most of the nation stuck indoors due to lockdown restrictions, homeowners across the UK are investing in lockdown makeovers, new research reveals. The 2020 Renovation Nation Report, by mortgage comparison site money.co.uk, has found that UK’s homeowners have invested an average of £4,035.70 each on home renovations, since the lockdown began in March. And it seems that Brits are sacrificing more than ever for their perfect pad as the prospect of more time at home becomes the new normal. Garden upgrades (34%) top a list for the most popular lockdown renovation projects, closely followed by the living room (23%), bedroom (22%) and kitchen (22%) as together the nation’s homeowners invested £55bn* in their properties. The findings by the personal finance experts at money.co.uk, also suggest that homeowners have abandoned all hopes of a holiday. Almost a quarter (24%) stated they have used money originally intended for a holiday to finance their new home improvements, which is second only to general savings (26%). Some even admitted to sacrificing their ‘big day’ as 4% of Brits revealed they used savings originally intended for a wedding or engagement ring. When asked why they chose to invest in their home, over a quarter (27%) of homeowners cited adding value to their home as a reason. Zoom has also played its part. Approaching half (40%) of British homeowners admitted to ‘Zoombarrassement’ over the appearance of their homes. Keen to make the most of staying home, green-fingered Brits have also been turning their hand to growing their own vegetables, with just over one in five (21%) homeowners investing in a greenhouse or vegetable patch during the pandemic. Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert at money.co.uk, said: “While many have struggled with the impact of lockdown restriction on their finances, our research found that having to spend more time at home has inspired almost two-thirds (65%) of homeowners to invest in renovations to their properties. “Almost three quarters (73%) of the property owners we spoke to said they will continue to stay home as much as possible even with lockdown easing, it looks like the trend for investing in homes looks set to continue. “For those looking to renovate or improve their homes, they will need to balance short term wishes with long term gain. The financial impact of investing in your home should always be a concern and ensuring you add value to your home through the work you do to the property is essential.” Pandemic changing Brits renovation dreams – but will they add value? When asked which home project Brits would consider investing in as a direct result of the pandemic, garden projects again reigned supreme: ● Over a third (34%) said they wanted a garden summerhouse/studio ● Over fifth (21%) are craving a greenhouse/vegetable patch ● 14% dream of raising their glass to their own pub. Inside the home, work and leisure are on the wish list: ● indoor gyms (17%) and bike storage (9%) ● offices (16%) ● leisure rooms (17%) ● and even classrooms (2%) making the list. Property expert, Adam Parson, Area Supervisor (SE) Andrews Property Group commented: “During these unprecedented times what has become immediately noticeable is the lack of attention people had previously given to the most social areas of the home i.e. garden and living room. “As we emerge from lockdown the perception of importance has changed, and the specialist areas will be seen as an asset rather than a novelty. Areas such as a garden studio, leisure area or pub/bar area that add a point of difference, escapism or an improvement to well-being will be seen as a necessity. Going forwards, we believe that the home buyers in today’s market will take more notice of these areas which increases their potential to add value to the overall property.” For more information on what post pandemic renovations will add value to your home and ways to finance them can be found in the 2020 Renovation Nation report at money.co.uk.