Kenneth Booth

Kite Packaging expand its range of thermal packaging

The employee-owned business has added standard insulated box liners to its thermal range. This range is ideal for getting goods from A to B in a temperature-controlled environment at cost-effective prices. Commonly used in food and drink and pharmaceutical industries. Insulated box liners help to maintain the inner temperature of

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Becoming an HVAC Technician: An Alternative to College

Although a university degree is valuable, it isn’t the best route for every high school graduate. Many college graduates today work outside of their degree, in spite of devoting several years of their life to time-consuming studying. According to the Harvard Business Review, recent graduates tend to be underemployed and sometimes don’t

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How Commercial Construction is Different from Residential

If you’ve ever wondered how commercial buildings vary from residential ones, the differences discussed below might provide some insights. Here are the basics: commercial buildings are used to operate commercial ventures (schools, offices, supermarkets and similar businesses) while residential buildings are basically homes where families reside. Before commencing your construction

Read More »

What to Know Before You Start the Home Construction Process

If you are considering having a new construction built, it is easy to feel excited and overwhelmed. Buying a home is a big step, but supervising the new construction of your own home is even bigger. There are many choices and the scheduling and decision making can seem overwhelming. While

Read More »

MODULAR BUILDING EXPERTS PLEDGE TO SUPPORT STUDENTS, STAFF AND SCHOOLS

Modular building experts are supporting the education sector through COVID-19, by offering health and safety solutions that will ease the process of returning to the classroom as lockdown measures are lifting. Supporting the return to education for primary and secondary schools, modular building experts, Elliott, are working to government guidelines

Read More »

Beard begins phased reopening of offices to ease isolation

Construction firm Beard has today begun the phased reopening of its offices, welcoming back staff who are struggling with the isolation of remote working. The move follows a successful week-long trial, with a range of safety measures implemented to ensure any risk of coronavirus infection is minimised. The majority of

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CADDICK STEPS UP A GEAR TO SECURE NEW PORSCHE CENTRE CONTRACT

Caddick Construction has been appointed to design and construct a new £5m Porsche centre, complete with workshops, MOT testing facility and offices to serve Cumbria and North Lancashire. Appointed by Porsche franchise holders Parker & Parker Limited, work has just begun on the new Porsche Centre South Lakes site, north

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Latest Issue
Issue 343 : Aug 2026

Kenneth Booth

Kite Packaging expand its range of thermal packaging

The employee-owned business has added standard insulated box liners to its thermal range. This range is ideal for getting goods from A to B in a temperature-controlled environment at cost-effective prices. Commonly used in food and drink and pharmaceutical industries. Insulated box liners help to maintain the inner temperature of goods throughout their transit periods and when used in conjunction with our gel packs or ice sheets, the products inside will maintain the desired temperature for between 12 and 24 hours. Offering an adequate amount of thermal protection and compromised from BOPP (biaxially-oriented polypropylene) outer foil layer, to reflect heat away from the products and laminated 70-micron double-lined bubble wrap inner, providing an interval of insulation and cushioning your chilled goods will be protected in transit. For more information on Kite Packaging and its range of products and services, please visit kitepackaging.co.uk.

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Becoming an HVAC Technician: An Alternative to College

Although a university degree is valuable, it isn’t the best route for every high school graduate. Many college graduates today work outside of their degree, in spite of devoting several years of their life to time-consuming studying. According to the Harvard Business Review, recent graduates tend to be underemployed and sometimes don’t get paid enough to cover their school debts and basic living costs. This isn’t to say that no one should get a college degree, but there are other effective routes that lead successfully into high-paying careers. One great example of a satisfying career that doesn’t require a lot of schooling is that of an HVAC technician. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The term refers to the systems in buildings that keep people comfortable. In addition to the heating and cooling systems, the HVAC needs in a building generally include adequate ventilation, moving fresh air into homes or businesses, and moving air away. Especially as construction becomes more air-tight, it’s important that ventilation systems replenish the oxygen in buildings. A good ventilation system also moves carbon dioxide, excess humidity, and unpleasant smells. HVAC work also includes attention to the filters on heaters, AC units, and vents. Filters remove dirt, allergens, and other particles from the air. More Than Installation and Repair Work The work done by HVAC technicians has a big impact on the health and comfort of the people who live or work in buildings. These professionals are responsible for installing and completing maintenance for heating, cooling, or combination systems. They may be hired to plan or repair ventilation or climate-control systems in homes or businesses. There’s more involved in keeping these systems running than just showing up to complete repairs. Technicians must understand how factors such as the size of the room, the amount of insulation, and how much power is available to affect the successful operation of heating, cooling, and ventilation appliances. HVAC Schooling Although some education and training are required to become an HVAC technician, the amount of time spent in a classroom and the cost of the training is much less than would be spent for a university degree. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent; it is easier to get a job with more education or some time spent in an apprenticeship. There are some schools that specifically offer a certificate or an associate degree for HVAC work. These often take less than a year and may be offered online. HVAC Training In addition to earning the initial certificate, some technicians opt to complete trainings specific to focused areas of heating, cooling, and ventilation. For example, a technician may choose to focus only on refrigeration systems, or a technician may choose to handle installations, leaving maintenance and repair work to another professional. Sometimes, technicians specialize in specific equipment, such as commercial refrigeration or heating systems. Much of this training happens while on-the-job whether through an internship or similar program. Licensing and Certification In a few cases, it isn’t necessary to have schooling or training to get a job as a technician. However, many states require a license and certification. When states require a license, the technician may need to successfully complete an exam and verify a specific amount of postsecondary schooling or work experience or a combination of both. Certification, on the other hand, is required for every technician. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires the completion of Section 608 certification before anyone works with refrigerant. Further Training and Certification Technicians with more experience and more completed training under their belts are more likely to get comfortable jobs and make more money. Some of these options include specialized training for heat pump systems, electrical work, or HVAC load calculations. It may also be helpful for HVAC technicians to develop skills such as welding, customer service, and plumbing. Job Security There’s a lot of demand for HVAC technicians, and as long as people want to feel comfortable in their homes, there will probably be a consistent demand for them. The job growth in this area is comparative to electricians and plumbers (other jobs that pay well without a lot of school requirements.) The median pay for heating and air conditioning technicians, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is $48,730 per year and $23.43 per hour. A Path to a Satisfying Career Pursuing a college degree may be the best route for some careers, but it isn’t the only route to successful employment and a comfortable lifestyle. The path to working as an HVAC technician is shorter and less expensive than completing a college degree. The workload and continuing education requirements aren’t as demanding as working part or full-time while attending a university. Overall, the path to a successful career as an HVAC technician requires some schooling, training, licensing, and certification. Once these requirements have been completed, work as an HVAC technician can lead to satisfying employment and a comfortable life.

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KEYLAND UNVEILS PIONEERING APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT TO HELP SOLVE HOUSING CRISIS IN YORKSHIRE

First Company In UK To Launch Valuation Tool to Enable Sustainable Development Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water, has unveiled its ambitious plans to help solve Yorkshire’s housing crisis and ensure fast delivery of sustainable communities by introducing a pioneering new housing delivery model. In a first for the UK, the model will be underpinned by a set of environmental, social and financial measures which will be tracked by a unique valuation tool. After more than twenty years regenerating redundant land for Yorkshire Water, Keyland has spent the last five years extending its services to other landowners through its Planning Promotional Agreement (PPA) initiative, resulting in eight residential developments which will bring forward over 4,000 homes around Yorkshire. With the PPAs now forming half of Keyland’s residential business, the team is focussing its next five-year business plan on growing this side of the business by working with major landowners, including local authorities and other public landowners, to bring forward land to help unlock the housing crisis. Keyland claims that the current UK model of volume housing delivery doesn’t support sustainable housing delivery or the requirements of individual councils to meet demand for different types of homes. Therefore, the Company set about devising a way to ensure new homes are procured in a way that creates truly sustainable communities, with a key focus on improving energy efficiency and water resilience. To create a blueprint for sustainable development, Keyland will be the first company in the UK to use a valuation tool to calculate direct, indirect and enabled value delivered from its developments. The tool will be based on the organisation’s ‘Six Capitals’ model and cover natural, social, human, intellectual, manufactured and financial value. Utilising this pioneering tool – created by leading sustainability consultants 3ADAPT, with support from Yorkshire Water and other world leading institutions – Keyland will be able to measure its ‘Total Value’ as a company, addressing its ambitions to deliver exceptional places and enable sustainable living. To overcome the challenges it sees in the current UK housing delivery model, Keyland will take on a master developer role to work with housebuilders and organisations such as housing associations and later-living housing providers to create a more organic mix of houses, incorporating  where appropriate self/custom-build homes. Keyland will pursue more prescriptive planning permissions and incorporate the ‘zoning’ of its sites to ensure that these innovative new communities will be realised. Peter Garrett, Managing Director of Keyland Developments, said; “This is an incredibly exciting time for Keyland. Having successfully built our PPA business over the last five years, we now have bold ambitions to be the development enabler of choice for both private and public sector landowners both across the County. It’s our view that the existing model of housing delivery simply will not solve the housing crisis in Yorkshire as it does not support council policy, nor will it easily deliver truly sustainable development. By implementing our ‘Six Capitals’ model and evaluating the non-financial values alongside the financial, we can take a more holistic approach and ensure that the total value of a development is explicitly considered. Crucially, our master developer role will address the mix of uses being delivered and incorporate the self/custom-build model which we see as being increasingly important to the future of residential development. In short, we’re looking to change how houses are built and how they are bought.  “The expert team at 3ADAPT have devised the valuation tool, which we understand is the only one in the UK to take into account indirect and enabled as well as direct impacts, making it a truly pioneering and unique resource and one new to the property industry. We are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of residential development innovation and, whilst they may be ambitious, our aspirations to help solve the housing crisis for Yorkshire while facilitating sustainable developments of excellence are wholly deliverable. We are in a privileged position in that we have a strong reputation based on trust and we want to build on that to change the face of housing delivery for the better.” From now on, Keyland intends to apply the ‘Six Capitals’ approach across the land that it owns, as well as helping inform its work with partners and local councils to fully realise its ambitions of creating truly sustainable neighbourhoods. Keyland owns 1,300 acres of land across the Yorkshire region and is currently involved in promoting over 8,500 homes and 4.5million sq ft of commercial space – the most in its history. This aligns with Yorkshire Water’s emerging Land Strategy which considers how it can collectively give back and enhance its land in the face of the challenges it faces. Gaynor Craigie, manager of land and property at Yorkshire Water said: “We are delighted that Keyland Developments Ltd has adopted the Six Capitals approach across the land it owns and promotes. The Six Capitals provides a strong model of sustainability which places an emphasis on living within the limits of the natural environment and developing strategies that grow all capitals. These support Yorkshire Water’s overarching ‘total impact’ philosophy.  The aim is to improve natural, social, human, intellectual, manufactured and financial capital and deliver benefits to its customers and stakeholders across Yorkshire.” Yorkshire Water is one of the largest landowners in the region, through its soon-to-be launched Land Strategy it is a holistic and long-term approach to land management. Gaynor said; “Our new Land Strategy aligns closely with national and regional policies: clean growth; education, skills & work; housing; innovation; transport and trade & investment and support the region to address the climate emergency and improve health & wellbeing. By aligning our respective strategies, Yorkshire Water and Keyland can work together to achieve their goals within Yorkshire, ensuring unified vision for how we can support the North’s potential to be unleashed.” Keyland is also one of only three Land Brokers, and represents Yorkshire as the only northern partner, on the public sector land delivery framework, Land Solve,

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How Commercial Construction is Different from Residential

If you’ve ever wondered how commercial buildings vary from residential ones, the differences discussed below might provide some insights. Here are the basics: commercial buildings are used to operate commercial ventures (schools, offices, supermarkets and similar businesses) while residential buildings are basically homes where families reside. Before commencing your construction project, it’s important to hire an experienced contractor with an enviable track record in providing quality construction for commercial buildings. Conducting some thorough research beforehand is also essential. Here are 5 major differences between commercial construction and residential construction: The materials used to construct commercial buildings are slightly different from those used to build residential houses. They both have different structural needs: residential buildings are often smaller than commercial ones, hence require less reinforcement. For commercial design application, you will require sturdy steel and concrete framing that guarantees better fortification. You’ll also need to consider three-phase electricity installation during the design phase. Residential construction is less complicated. Timber framing and single-phase electrical designing will usually suffice. Another key difference between commercial and residential construction is in their permits. Commercial buildings usually attract stricter regulations than residential houses. Regulations may vary from design to materials and plumbing systems used. If you wish to succeed as a commercial contractor, ensure you learn the ropes as far as permits and regulations are concerned. The biggest perk of residential construction is the lenient regulations employed by the government. Most residential buildings are small and incorporate simple designs, making them less problematic to erect. Every construction project must have a unique set of timelines. However, residential construction typically has longer and more flexible timelines than commercial construction. Homeowners prefer taking their time when building their dream home. This provides them with more freedom to make vital construction decisions as and when they deem fit. Commercial builders, on the other hand, desire to complete the project as quickly (and as efficiently) as possible. Commercial contractors often have to deal with smaller budgets and stricter timelines. Large scale commercial buildings require the utilization of heavy machinery such as bulldozers, earth movers and forklifts. Such machinery has to be operated by experienced personnel in order to optimize quality and maintain relevant safety standards. Residential buildings, on the other hand, don’t require heavy machines or specialized skills. Smaller DIY building projects can even be learnt online and completed successfully if you have the time. In addition, accidents that occur during residential construction are easier to fix and rarely end up in lawsuits when compared to commercial mishaps. Commercial properties generally require more insurance than residential buildings. As a commercial contractor, you’re required to comply with all state and national certifications to avoid getting slapped with penalties. Commercial contracts are usually lengthier and more complex than residential ones. Warranties and surety bonds are essential elements of every commercial construction contract, especially when you’re dealing with government work. These are just some of the key differences between commercial and residential construction.

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What to Know Before You Start the Home Construction Process

If you are considering having a new construction built, it is easy to feel excited and overwhelmed. Buying a home is a big step, but supervising the new construction of your own home is even bigger. There are many choices and the scheduling and decision making can seem overwhelming. While the general contractor will handle the big steps involved in home construction, there are plenty of things you will need to take care of to ensure the process runs off smoothly. Make Sure Your Finances are in Order Home construction has a lot of variables built into it. You want to be sure there is some wiggle room in your budget so you are not blind-sided if things go wrong or some unexpected problem develops. The builder will give you a cost to construct what you have in mind, but problems with the site or issues with suppliers are just two of the issues that can drive the cost up once construction begins. One way to ensure you have the money you need is to lower your monthly expenses. As you begin the building process, you may want to temporarily lower your discretionary spending. There are also things you can do to lower your monthly expenses. Consolidating your student loans at a lower interest rate can save you money each month over the life of your loans. Choose a Builder You Can Trust The builder you choose is going to be in charge of what is probably the largest investment you have made up to this point in your life. Choose someone with experience, who you trust, and who has a solid reputation. If you have friends who have recently had homes built, hearing who they used, and the good and the bad related to that, can help you make up your mind. The bank who is handling your mortgage may also be willing to provide the names of some they have experience working with. Once you have a shortlist of who to talk to, you should discuss your plans, get an estimate, and hear what type of schedule you are looking at. You should feel comfortable talking to the builder you choose. A builder can have a great reputation but still not be the best choice for you. Make Smart Choices Whether you are building this with the idea that it will be your forever home or you know you will be moving on eventually, it is important to consider that one day the house will be sold. Make sure that the choices regarding building make sense for your family and situation, but understand that anything particularly niche or extreme will make it more challenging to sell later. There are things you can do that will make the home easier to sell if and when the day comes, and that also make the home more livable for you. Building in compliance with ADA standards, for example, takes nothing away from the home aesthetically but increases comfort and livability. An experienced builder can help guide you with these choices.

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MODULAR BUILDING EXPERTS PLEDGE TO SUPPORT STUDENTS, STAFF AND SCHOOLS

Modular building experts are supporting the education sector through COVID-19, by offering health and safety solutions that will ease the process of returning to the classroom as lockdown measures are lifting. Supporting the return to education for primary and secondary schools, modular building experts, Elliott, are working to government guidelines and organisations to ensure students, teachers and parents return back to school feeling safe and protected by providing equipment, modular buildings, and further facilities. Currently across the UK the rules for schools are as follows: Small class groups to be organised Organise classrooms and other learning environments maintaining space between seats and desks where possible Reduce the movement around the school building Stagger assembly groups and break times, including lunch so that children are not moving around the school at the same time Consider how to keep small groups of children together throughout the day avoiding other groups Remove unnecessary items including soft furnishings from classrooms and other learning environments and store elsewhere Consider how parents, children and young people arrive at school Croftlands, Hilderthorpe, Arundel and Drayton Manor are amongst the schools that Elliott has supported so far. To ensure safety amongst staff, students and parents, Elliott’s extensive range of services will provide; further safety equipment for learning spaces and canteens, improve overall hygiene, the experience of arriving and collecting from school, and supplying extra storage. Safety equipment includes: Signage Hand soap dispensers & refills Hand sanitiser units Temporary fences Paper towel dispenser & refills Mobile sanitiser units Waste bins As well as equipment, single temporary classrooms, multi-storage large classroom facilities and separate storage units can all be used to help with social distancing measures. Elliott are looking to provide a range of modular school building solutions that can help staff and pupils operate with ease. Elliott’s Marketing Director, Trace Norton says, “We have provided a large number of solutions to support the education industry across the UK, with a hope that children return to school as safely and quickly as possible. “We are proud that our fast, reliable service has contributed and hope we can give parents across the country further peace of mind that their children are in a safe environment.”

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Contractor Henry Brothers appointed to build £18.5 million joint police and fire HQ

Henry Brothers Midlands has won a contract to build a new £18.5 million joint headquarters for Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service. The three-storey facility will be constructed on land behind the existing Nottinghamshire Police headquarters at Sherwood Lodge and is scheduled to open by the end of 2021. Work on the new building, which will include a control room, training centre, changing rooms, gym, canteen and shared offices, is expected to begin next month.  Once complete it will form part of a wider joint campus that will also include all of the existing police headquarters. After a competitive tendering process Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Midlands has been chosen to construct the new three-storey building. A formal contract was agreed today (Monday, 29 June). Since planning permission was granted in December 2019, a considerable amount of work has already taken place on this multi-phase project under the direction of construction consultancy Gleeds. The site, which will include a new access road, additional car parking and improvements to existing facilities, has already been levelled and cleared – ahead of time and below budget. Ian Taylor, Managing Director of Henry Brothers Midlands, said: “As a local company, we are delighted to have been appointed to build this new joint headquarters building for Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. “Henry Brothers has a wealth of experience when it comes to public sector buildings and we are proud to have been selected to work on such a high profile and important project for our local emergency services.” Henry Brothers Midlands, based at Priory Court, Derby Road, Beeston, is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. The company has been involved in a number of major projects in Nottingham in recent years. It is currently building a new £9m four-storey Enterprise Innovation Centre at Nottingham Trent University’s City Campus – the third development undertaken by Henry Brothers Midlands for the university. In 2019 the company also completed a new £23m two-storey engineering facility at the university’s Clifton Campus, and also began work on a new Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF) on the same site. Other members of the construction team on the joint headquarters project for the emergency services include Gleeds for project management, cost consultancy and M&E services, YMD Boon as architect, and civil and structural engineering firm HWA. The joint headquarters project is the next step in a series of collaboration projects between the two services, which already share premises at Highfields, West Bridgford and London Road fire stations, and at the new tri-service hub in Hucknall. The two organisations also jointly procure fuel, have a shared drone and incident welfare vehicle, and conduct joint safety and educational initiatives. Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “This is a significant day in the history of this project and also a good time to reflect on the huge amount of work that has taken place since we began preparing the ground once we got the planning decision at the back end of last year. “I want to thank all those involved in getting us to this point, ahead of schedule and under budget. It is great news to have been able to have formalised this partnership with a trusted local contractor. Their bid represents excellent value for money for taxpayers. I am delighted that we are able to support so many local jobs on site and in the wider supply chain in what I know is a very challenging time for local businesses.” Chief Fire Officer John Buckley said: “The appointment of a local contractor marks a significant step in the joint headquarters programme and is the culmination of a great amount of joint working between the two organisations to co-ordinate a robust and effective competitive tendering process. “Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and Nottinghamshire Police have collaborated on a number of projects in recent years; our new joint headquarters is the next step in our collaboration journey and will pave the way for future partnership working for the benefit of the communities we serve.” Chair of the Fire Authority, Cllr Michael Payne, added: “This is fantastic news in what has, in recent months, undoubtedly been an extremely challenging time for our police and fire staff, the wider public sector and our communities across the whole of the city and county. “The appointment of a local company to build our new joint headquarters reinforces our commitment to the people of Nottinghamshire, and I look forward to the next phase of the project where we will start to see the redevelopment of Sherwood Lodge taking shape, and the relationship between the two organisations going from strength to strength.” Paddy Tipping, Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “This is another big step towards the completion of this latest and biggest partnership project to date between two key emergency services.  It’s good news that a local company provided the best value for money in a very strict tender process as this means that local people will benefit.  I’m also delighted that despite the challenges of the last few months, the work to date has been completed ahead of schedule and under budget.  I am grateful to everyone who has worked hard to deliver this. “The two organisations have been collaborating for some time to improve both financial and operational efficiency and experience has proved that they work well together.  The new headquarters will bring numerous advantages, such as a better working environment for the workforce, eco-friendly elements and further development of the working relationship between the services. I’m looking forward to seeing the completed project.” For more information, visit www.henrybrothers.co.uk

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Beard begins phased reopening of offices to ease isolation

Construction firm Beard has today begun the phased reopening of its offices, welcoming back staff who are struggling with the isolation of remote working. The move follows a successful week-long trial, with a range of safety measures implemented to ensure any risk of coronavirus infection is minimised. The majority of office-based employees will continue to work from home, in line with the guidance from government, but conversations with staff members have revealed that some feel they would benefit from the interaction of an office environment. More than 90 per cent of Beard sites remained operational throughout the ‘lockdown’ period and work has already resumed on all others. The lessons learned from adapting working practices on site have been instrumental in enabling the firm to reopen its offices safely. A dedicated project manager has been appointed for each of the firm’s offices in Swindon, Guildford, Oxford and Bristol. They have overseen the process of ensuring that staff can return to the office safely. Those wishing to do so have all signed a declaration that they have not experienced symptoms of Covid-19 and complete an induction on the safety measures they need to be aware of. Beard has also prepared a short video for staff to help them with the new working arrangements, and this has been made available via the firm’s YouTube channel: Clear signage has been put up in all buildings to help staff to keep a two-metre distance at all times, with provision for a rota system to ensure reduced occupancy. Other safety measures include a ban on the use of meeting rooms, with meetings continuing to be held remotely where possible, and in open areas when absolutely necessary, while maintaining social distancing. Mike Hedges, director of Beard’s Bristol office and with overall responsibility for health and safety, commented: “The health and wellbeing of our staff is our top priority. We are not requiring anyone to return to the office but we know from talking to staff that there are some – particularly those who live alone – for whom full-time remote working has been challenging. “Mental wellbeing is every bit as important as physical health. We want to do our utmost to cater for the varied needs our colleagues have, while ensuring they are protected from unnecessary risk of infection. “It has been particularly valuable in achieving this to draw on the experiences of colleagues who have continued to work on site. They have performed minor miracles in adapting to safer working practices to protect against Covid-19 and the firm is extremely grateful to them for their efforts.”

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CADDICK STEPS UP A GEAR TO SECURE NEW PORSCHE CENTRE CONTRACT

Caddick Construction has been appointed to design and construct a new £5m Porsche centre, complete with workshops, MOT testing facility and offices to serve Cumbria and North Lancashire. Appointed by Porsche franchise holders Parker & Parker Limited, work has just begun on the new Porsche Centre South Lakes site, north of Kellet Road, Carnforth, with easy access to the M6. The new centre and all external works are due to be completed in the summer of 2021. The multi-million-pound project signals the continued long-term investment and strengthening position of the German luxury sports car brand in the North West. The new showroom and facilities encompasses 1618²m in total and will have the capacity to display the full range of the luxury car brand including: the 911, 718, Taycan, Panamera, Cayenne and Macan. The state-of-the-art centre will be completed with a plush handover lounge, meeting rooms and employee facilities. Caddick Contract Project Manager Derek Billows said: “This is a very exciting project and the team are focused on delivering an exceptional showroom and other facilities that will be a fitting home for such an aspirational car brand.” Ian Parker, Director of Porsche Centre South Lakes, added: “Caddick Construction has a long track record working with Porsche franchises across the North and we believe their quality and attention to detail mirrors our own exceptionally high standards. This purpose-built Centre ensures we can offer a first-class service in first-class surroundings, something our clients have come to expect over the years from us and Porsche in this region.” Caddick Construction and Caddick Civil Engineering are the operational arms of Caddick Group Plc. Offering more than 35 years’ experience across a range of market sectors including commercial, education, industrial, leisure, refurbishment, residential, care, retail, mixed use and fit out. Architect and Principal Designer for the project is Axis 3 Design Limited with structural engineering provided by Cumbrian-based R G Parkins & Partners Limited.

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Clearview Developments to Revive Victorian Mansion on one of Royal Tunbridge Wells’ Most Iconic Streets

Clearview Developments, a boutique property company with headquarters in Surrey is excited to announce its development plans for Broadwater House in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The 19th century mansion, previously sub-divided into five units, has suffered from a lack of upkeep over the years.  Proposals are to completely refurbish the existing building whilst also adding an extension that is in-keeping to create 14 tastefully designed one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments. With completion due in Q1 2021, the approved work will entail red brick banding, bringing back one of the mansion’s key architectural details. Furthermore, Clearview Developments will install timber-sashed windows that are in keeping with the originals, whilst authentic timber fasciae will also be reinstated. Finally, a new conservatory will be constructed in the position of the original conservatory, reintroducing yet another part of the original building. Jason Tema, Director at Clearview Developments, comments: “With high demand for housing in the local area, it is our priority to find existing properties that can be transformed into modern homes for today’s discerning buyer. We have previously redeveloped The Old Bank on London Road, which was a well-received project. With Broadwater House, we want to create something equally special and are absolutely delighted to have been given planning permission. The property has true potential to be transformed into an attractive home for families and downsizers alike but also professionals, who seek access to good transport links. As builder-developers with our own in-house construction arm, we are incredibly proud to be able to deliver an unrivalled premium quality.” …/ Once completed, residents will be able to enjoy bright and spacious interiors that celebrate the property’s history with neutral colour schemes, reinstated ornamental ceilings, decorative stucco and floor-to-ceiling windows.Upon entry, the carefully restored wooden entrance doors open up to the building’s foyer, greeting guests with stunning interior detailing that’s being brought back to life. This includes a newly installed staircase in the position where the original staircase was likely sited as well as the retention of some of the original fireplaces. The newly built apartments, which are spread across three floors, will mirror the style and design of the original building, whilst offering all the modern conveniences of 21st century living. In addition, buyers can choose from two furniture packages that offer comfort with a balanced colour palette. Located within a conservation area, Broadwater House will spoil its residents with unrivalled tranquillity and direct access to the nearby flora and fauna as Broadwater Down features the only official, public entrance to the adjacent Hargate Forest. The forest is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and was once part of the great medieval forests of the Sussex High Weald. To this day, nature lovers can admire an incredible diversity of plants and wildlife as well as stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Similar can be said for Broadwater House itself, which will feature beautifully landscaped communal gardens. As much as Broadwater House’s location is in close proximity to nature, it offers equally convenient access to the hustle and bustle of the local community.  The Pantiles shopping district and village area with its variety of boutique shops, restaurants, cafés and theatres is a 5-minute drive away. Those requiring regular access to London, benefit from Royal Tunbridge Wells’ railway station being a mere 10-minute drive away. The station is serviced by regular direct trains that reach London Bridge and Charing Cross stations within 60 minutes. Families will appreciate that Broadwater Down offers a choice of nearby, highly-regarded schools, including The Mead and Rose Hill preparatory schools. Further educational institutions include Holmewood House preparatory school in Langton Green, the boys’ and girls’ grammar schools in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge as well as independent secondary schools in Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Mayfield. Broadwater Down’s lifestyle offerings are as impressive as its history. Archives reveal that in 1448, the Neville family inherited the Eridge Park Estate which covered the area later known as Broadwater Down. The estate and the Neville family had strong ties with the Crown and it is believed that Henry VII often hunted within the Estate, whilst Queen Elizabeth I is thought to have spent six days there in 1573. In 1787, Henry Neville, the 2nd Earl of Abergavenny, started construction of Eridge Castle in the Gothic style. Enhancement works were continued throughout the post-medieval period with walks and carriage drives, construction of follies and the rebuilding of old workers cottages.  …/ Finally, during the 1850 and 1860’s, William the 4th Earl of Abergavenny, decided to improve the area with the aid of developer George Mansfield. At the time, Royal Tunbridge Wells had grown to be a favoured resort town for wealthy upper and middle-class families after it was thought that the local springs had healing properties. This even led to visits from the Duchess of Kent, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on a number of occasions. The objective of William the 4th and Mansfield was to build 46 mansions on Broadwater Down that meet the requirements of the wealthy upper and middle-class families. 46 Broadwater House was thereby the very first property that was built as part of this scheme. Prior to construction, the area was dominated by woodland and Broadwater Down was little more than a trackway. Those interested in the new apartments at Broadwater House are invited to contact Clearview Developments on 03334442220 or visit www.broadwaterhouse.com. Prices start from £400,000.

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