Do you know that every aspect of your product contributes to whether you’ll attract more customers and retain the existing ones, including packaging and delivery? While you might have premium delivery services, which can be free for the customer, sometimes, the customer still wants a guarantee that the product was
In today’s world, beyond the beautiful products and services that you might be selling, customers are also interested in world-class amenities at your business premises, such as parking lots and walking pathways. A cracked, bulging parking lot would be detrimental to your company’s reputation. For instance, during summer, the parking
Caledonian has beaten off stiff competition with its innovative approach to volumetric construction to be shortlisted in two categories in this year’s Offsite Awards. The judges shortlisted the Nottinghamshire-based company in both the Best Use of Volumetric Technology category and Offsite Pioneer of the Year. Recognition in this major industry
Following the launch of RGB Building Supplies’ Tools for Africa appeal in January, the builders merchant is thanking trades and the community for helping to donate 15 bulk bags full of preloved tools which have been passed to South West-based charity Amigos. Amigos works closely with another UK charity called
IronmongeryDirect has reported its most successful month in history, with June seeing record figures for both order numbers and revenue. With many people turning to DIY during lockdown, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery experienced an 80% year-on-year (YoY) increase in web traffic in June. This increase led to a 75%
Letter written by Nick Cowley, managing director at Euramax, in response to the Prime Minister’s announcement of £350 million to cut carbon emissions in industry, construction, and transport sectors as part of a green recovery. As industry emerges from lockdown, and the closure of infrastructure and construction projects, we are
A PROGRAMME of works for health facilities, owned by NHS Property Services, throughout the Midlands valued at around £5m has been awarded to leading independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard. NHS Property Services’ portfolio is one of the largest in the UK, comprising more than 3,000 properties with
London Square says its customers will benefit from streamlined processes and greater transparency thanks to a new partnership with software platform Yourkeys. Yourkeys has fully digitised the sales progression process, from reservation through to exchange and completion. Customers can make a reservation through the platform, submit ID verification and track
By Mark Davis, co-founder and creative director, property branding agency me&dave As the property industry’s mini bounce-back begins to fade, we need to rethink our approach and make sure we’re ready for whatever the future holds. The weeks since the government eased restrictions on viewings have been good. Developers, investors
Children at Kirkby Church of England Primary school designed posters that were displayed along site hoardings at the 12-acre GMI retail park development project in Kirkby During Covid-19 GMI Construction Group has been working with children from Kirkby Church of England Primary School to showcase posters that the school children
Do you know that every aspect of your product contributes to whether you’ll attract more customers and retain the existing ones, including packaging and delivery? While you might have premium delivery services, which can be free for the customer, sometimes, the customer still wants a guarantee that the product was safe during storage and transit. The packaging will clearly tell that. Moreover, your brand’s perception will be influenced by the physical appearance and design of the packaging material. Transportation and shipping boxes needs may vary from one business to another, but it still helps if you go for an affordable yet valuable solution that will cut down costs and improve the profit margin. Among the safest, durable, and reliable packaging solutions that are gaining popularity in the mainstream include corrugated materials. So, what reasons would prompt you to choose corrugated packaging? Well, they include but aren’t limited to the following: It is important to note that consumers are increasingly becoming aware of their duty towards achieving a safer and greener habitat that will benefit flora and fauna in generations to come. Corrugated boxes are not only biodegradable but can also be recycled with ease. For instance, today’s box that is used for packaging food products can be recycled for spare parts tomorrow. In other words, corrugated packaging is a sustainable, environmentally friendly option that every consumer would want to associate themselves with. In the long run, it fosters a positive business image that attracts new customers to the brand and retains existing ones. As noted earlier, consumers are interested in whether the product will reach them safely, especially if they are ordered online. Customized corrugated packaging will ensure that your products arrive at the consumer without any dent, scratch, or leaks. You would also want to work with a supplier who gives you additional safety features such as breakable seals such that consumers can have integrity in your product. That way, you’ll have the most after-sought brand in the whole city by just winning the hearts of a few who will be making constant references to your product. One of the main advantages of working with a good corrugated packaging supplier is attracting new customers and retaining the already existing ones. That means that you’ll generally register improved sales and revenues in that financial year. In addition to that, it reduces the risks of refund or product liability lawsuits that may emanate from poor packaging of the products. The more you decrease the chances of such an incidence, the more your loyal customers will trust you. You’ll also save more in place of unnecessary expenses. Huge profits to your brand mean that more money can now be channeled to advertising and improving rates and wages to enhance labor efficiency and productivity. It will help if your delivery guy avoids too many other packagings just to make sure that the products arrive in shape. That can hinder long-distance deliveries as the product can arrive with some parts missing. That is why you should opt for corrugated design solutions. Lastly, you might be interested to know that there is an overwhelming option when it comes to choosing the right packaging material, but corrugated boxes are the most affordable ones. All you need to do is get a reliable supplier who will compliment all your needs, preferences, and specifications to create a package that will help build your brand’s reputation. The surest ways of landing a reputable supplier include direct references and online reviews. Positive online reviews are like personal recommendations and will often point you in the right direction. Make the internet your friend, and you’ll find locating the right supplier to be an easier task than you really expected.
In today’s world, beyond the beautiful products and services that you might be selling, customers are also interested in world-class amenities at your business premises, such as parking lots and walking pathways. A cracked, bulging parking lot would be detrimental to your company’s reputation. For instance, during summer, the parking lot will be dusty, and customers won’t appreciate that. Likewise, no one would want to struggle with mud and pools of dirty water during a rainy period. Hiring commercial paving services for industrial paving can help you enhance the appeal of your commercial premises, which will help you attract and retain more customers. Besides turning away customers, dilapidated parking lots and pathways increase the liability risks of your business. You don’t want to be tied to multiple compensation claims simply because lawyers have higher grounds of proving negligence on your side. In that regard, it helps if you take the necessary steps now than to regret it in the future. So, why should you hire commercial paving services to put your parking lot and pavements in shape? Well, we have the following reasons for you: Prepping the area If you’d want to do it differently, it will force you to hire different contractors, which is expensive in the long run. Moreover, prepping the area would require a lot of work and will need professionals who can leverage machine work to do it perfectly. Moreover, based on your premises location and requirements, commercial paving contractors can offer excellent recommendations for a durable, long-lasting infrastructure. Put an end to constant pothole repairs. Necessary regulations and construction standards As noted earlier, dilapidated infrastructure in your company’s premises can be an avenue for liability lawsuits. An experienced contractor knows both your state’s regulations and provisions involved in designing, constructing, and repairing commercial parking lots and pavements. This includes mandatory parking space for people with disabilities and any other important accessibility feature that must comply with safety measures. Consequently, you’ll have saved yourself liability responsibility for any accident that might happen within the premises. Timely completion of projects Professional paving contractors have the machinery and the resources to get the job done within the agreed time-frame. While completion time needs may vary from one commercial building to another, you would still want someone who honors the commitment of getting the job done as stipulated in the contract. You will also need nothing but quality work to cut down operational costs and allow the business to resume as soon as possible. Design versatility There are various pavement designs to choose from based on budget, preference, or requirements from the local authority. Getting a professional that is well-versed in your town area will see to it that you gate more design options on your plate to match your needs and expectations. Environment-friendly Just like safety regulations, professional pavers know the environmental impact that a poorly completed project can have on the building and neighboring community. For instance, professionals will ensure meticulous water drainage systems to eliminate water runoff pollution. Moreover, some local authorities may even give you tax incentives if your parking lot and pavements enhance a greener world. Warranty for labor and materials Lastly, you might want to work with someone who gives you warranty for materials and labor for a few years, protecting you from unnecessary repair costs. Professional paving contractors will inspect your pavements and parking lots during the warranty period because they are confident in what they do. Moreover, if there is an issue listed in the contract, you’ll get free, speedy repair that will not interrupt your business’s normal running. Get the right professional paving contractor today to estimate your project’s cost, and you’ll never regret putting your business premises in shape!
Caledonian has beaten off stiff competition with its innovative approach to volumetric construction to be shortlisted in two categories in this year’s Offsite Awards. The judges shortlisted the Nottinghamshire-based company in both the Best Use of Volumetric Technology category and Offsite Pioneer of the Year. Recognition in this major industry award sends a clear signal to developers and building designers that Caledonian is a leader in the UK offsite and modular construction sector. Within the Offsite Pioneer of the Year category, the judges recognised how, over the last five years, Caledonian has grown into one of the largest specialist off-site manufacturing businesses in the UK. This has been achieved by pioneering new ways in which modular projects are designed, manufactured and delivered; a growth and pace of change that few in any industry would be able to emulate. Singled out by the judges was the work at Sir Frederick Gibberd College where the company built an entire school in just 12 weeks, and during the Covid-19 lockdown when most other construction sites were closed. A time lapse video showing the modular build appeared in several national press including the Daily Mail under the headline: ‘Remarkable time-lapse footage shows secondary school being built in 12 WEEKS while the rest of us have been on lockdown’. Alongside this, investment in BIM, DfMA and lean manufacturing have enabled Caledonian to regularly achieve an industry-leading completion rate of up to 96% before modules are delivered to site. Caledonian was also shortlisted in Best Use of Volumetric Technology for its work with Bowmer & Kirkland at the University Campus of Football Business, First Way Campus in Wembley. The £25m contract involved the company manufacturing accommodation modules for the 678 student bedroom scheme. What stood out for the judges on this project was Caledonian’s ability to supply a fully fire compliant modular solution for the 10 storey development, along with a completion rate of 96% for the modules prior to shipping to site. “We already knew that our innovative volumetric system was shaking up the market, which has been reflected by the fact we have been shortlisted in two categories within the Offsite Awards,” said Paul Lang, Chief Executive Office at Caledonian. “To be shortlisted in two categories and when we we’re up against other major brands just goes to show that Caledonian is one to watch for the future.” Caledonian faces stiff competition in both categories with the likes of Kier Integrated Team, NG Bailey and Urban Splash all vying for overall victory. The finals and award winners will be announced at the first ‘virtual’ Offsite Awards, taking place in the afternoon of 22 September 2020. Caledonian offers innovative volumetric solutions for a wide range of sectors including education, leisure, health, residential, student accommodation, commercial & retail, custodial and MOD, amongst others. The company has been successfully appointed to several leading frameworks including DfE (Department for Education), NHS and LHC. To find out more about Caledonian modular buildings and offsite construction solutions, visit: www.caledonianmodular.com
Following the launch of RGB Building Supplies’ Tools for Africa appeal in January, the builders merchant is thanking trades and the community for helping to donate 15 bulk bags full of preloved tools which have been passed to South West-based charity Amigos. Amigos works closely with another UK charity called Work Aid, which will now refurbish the donated items before sending them to Africa. The tools will be used by young people so they can learn construction skills and help lift themselves and their families out of poverty. For the past 13 years the charity has provided vocational learning opportunities at Kira Farm Development Centre in Uganda where young people can spend a year acquiring life-changing skills. This includes training in carpentry and building techniques, with 98% of the graduates going on to full-time employment or starting their own business. Phil Pugsley, Chief Executive at Amigos, said: “Winston Churchill once said, ‘give us the tools, and we will finish the job’. It’s no good Amigos training a young Ugandan in carpentry and building if they have no access to the tools needed to put their newfound skills into practice. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has gone above and beyond by turning out their sheds and garages, and to RGB for once again allowing their outlets to be collection centres. Together, we are equipping precious young people with the skills and the tools to transform their lives – thank you.” Kevin Fenlon, CEO of RGB, added: “We launched our appeal before lockdown was put in place, so we’re delighted we’ve been able to bring it to a successful close. Amigos does fantastic work in helping young people learn a trade and gain employment and this is the second time we’ve worked with the charity. By simply donating some unused tools, the kind-hearted people in our area have really helped to change the lives of young people in Africa.”
IronmongeryDirect has reported its most successful month in history, with June seeing record figures for both order numbers and revenue. With many people turning to DIY during lockdown, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery experienced an 80% year-on-year (YoY) increase in web traffic in June. This increase led to a 75% uplift in transactions, taking the total number of orders to unprecedented levels. The surge of interest in home improvements saw a slight shift in IronmongeryDirect’s usual consumer base, away from its usual trade focus and more into the domestic market. In fact, while online traffic from existing customers rose by 29%, the number of first-time visitors more than trebled (208% YoY). Categories that performed particularly well in June included: ● Locks and latches ● Door and cabinet furniture (front door furniture, handles and knobs) ● Screws and fixings ● Gate, fence and shed hardware ● Shelving and storage Charlie Carlton, Head of Digital at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said: “In recent months, many people have used their extra time at home to do DIY and this trend is clearly evident in our sales data. “We’re delighted to have been able to provide for the nation during lockdown, whilst still supplying critical products to the NHS and schools in this difficult time. With restrictions starting to ease off, we expect to see a return to our normal trade patterns and will continue to serve the country’s construction industry as it recovers from the pandemic.” For more information about IronmongeryDirect, visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/
Letter written by Nick Cowley, managing director at Euramax, in response to the Prime Minister’s announcement of £350 million to cut carbon emissions in industry, construction, and transport sectors as part of a green recovery. As industry emerges from lockdown, and the closure of infrastructure and construction projects, we are in a good position to revaluate our environmental approach. The building and construction sector accounts for around 39 per cent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, with construction operations making up 11 per cent of that. The government has pledged £26 million to support advanced new building techniques in order to reduce build costs and cut carbon emissions in the construction industry. To aid a successful green recovery, we must invest in modern, sustainable building techniques. Our future homes won’t be built, they’ll be manufactured using modular methods. Modular construction involves building parts of the building offsite in a manufacturing facility, then joining them together onsite. Modular construction requires less machinery and can halve building time, therefore using up to 67 per cent less energy. Modular construction also produces less waste and can be constructed using recycled materials. The modularity of the buildings means they can easily be deconstructed and moved without demolition, which further cuts down their environmental impact. Despite their quick construction, making some sceptics dubious about their quality, the controlled built environment can make modular builds as energy efficient as traditional builds — helping us indeed ‘build back better’.
A PROGRAMME of works for health facilities, owned by NHS Property Services, throughout the Midlands valued at around £5m has been awarded to leading independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard. NHS Property Services’ portfolio is one of the largest in the UK, comprising more than 3,000 properties with 7,000 tenants across England. At a total value of more than £3bn, this represents about 10% of the total NHS estate. The work will cover the delivery of backlog maintenance projects for 38 health centres to implement remedial works to the site infrastructure, internal and external building fabric, and mechanical and electrical systems, with work commencing this month. Pick Everard’s team will be providing programme management, project management, quantity surveying and principal designer services (health and safety). The works will overhaul building systems, ensuring they meet current building guidance. The team will work in collaboration with the external consultants undertaking architectural and services design to deliver the projects. David Harris, partner at Pick Everard said: “We’re really pleased to have been awarded this commission, allowing us to continue and expand the extensive services we have been providing in support of the NHS and its services across the UK for many years. It’s of course a point in time when providing the NHS with as much support as possible has never been so important, so it’s great to be progressing these projects, allowing us to help support our health service in the Midlands with critical work. “The government has promised a number of programmes and funding packages for the health service throughout this year, including 40 new hospitals announced as part of ‘Project Speed’ at the end of June. However, it’s of clear importance that we must look after and improve the existing health service infrastructure, ensuring it continues to be fit for purpose, in order for healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care to patients in the region.” Paul Jones, principal construction manager at NHS Property Services, said: “We’re pleased to have skilled and experienced partners on board to support the programme of works across the Midlands. The clear objective in sight is to deliver better patient care and these works are central to that.” Imran Ishaq, associate director for building surveying at Pick Everard, who is leading on this project, said: “There is no doubt that Covid-19 will impact how we deliver this work and it is imperative safety guidance is followed by observing social distancing and health and safety protocols. We will be working within live, occupied environments, so will be using phased construction strategies to keep disruption at an absolute minimum and allow tenant businesses to continue with their services as work is in progress. “A big focus for all we do at Pick Everard is delivering works that make a real social and economic difference to the community. For this programme of works we will be deploying local labour and working closely with SMEs across the region on the provision of these improved community care facilities.” The work is being delivered under the NHS Shared Business Services framework, a vehicle that provides business support services to the NHS and public sector. Pick Everard employs more than 550 staff across its 13 UK offices, providing a range of project, cost and design consultancy services. For more information, please visit www.pickeverard.co.uk.
London Square says its customers will benefit from streamlined processes and greater transparency thanks to a new partnership with software platform Yourkeys. Yourkeys has fully digitised the sales progression process, from reservation through to exchange and completion. Customers can make a reservation through the platform, submit ID verification and track the progress of their mortgage, surveys and legal documents in real time. London Square was among the first to sign up to Yourkeys, which launched at the end of 2019, and took part in trials to develop system upgrades and new features. Dario Scimeca, Project Sales Manager for London Square, said: “We now have three developments live with Yourkeys, at Tadworth Gardens, Bermondsey and Staines. The intention is that all our future developments will go live with the platform when they launch. “We expect Yourkeys to free up between 15 per cent and 25 per cent of our sales advisers’ time. This is time they can spend with their customers, rather than focusing on administrative tasks. “The online ID check means we no longer do this internally, so the customer doesn’t need to make an appointment or post documents to us. Once we confirm the reservation and input the sale information, the purchaser can upload their ID documents which are automatically transferred to the solicitor. “Over the past two weeks we’ve taken our first reservations using Yourkeys and the feedback has been very positive all round. Our staff have said it’s super-easy to use, as it’s very intuitive to figure out all the different functionality. Best of all, they have a great customer success team who are on hand at every step of the way. The ability for our customers to see everything in one place now provides greater transparency, which instils enormous confidence.” Yourkeys CEO Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson created the platform to deal with the frustrations of customers, homebuilders and estate agents. He said: “The feedback we have received from London Square and other clients indicates that Yourkeys has achieved its aim of simplifying the process of buying and selling homes. This will ensure that more sales do complete while raising levels of customer satisfaction. “We are working closely with our clients to integrate pre-and post-sales software, such as CRM systems, to ensure they receive the maximum benefit from Yourkeys. The next step is to continue to refine the software and introduce more new features.” London Square had been searching for a suitable reservation platform and found Yourkeys’ user-friendly interface and capacity to integrate with existing software made it the obvious solution. Dario explained: “It’s exciting that we can now integrate our CRM system, ContactBuilder, so sales leads will be carried through to Yourkeys when the reservation is confirmed. “On completion, the sale details will automatically move into Clixifix, our customer care system, so we will no longer have to manually input data there. All platforms speak to each other. “The biggest USPs are how Yourkeys interacts with other software and keeps the customer engaged through its stylish interface.” For more information or to book a free demonstration go to Yourkeys.com.
By Mark Davis, co-founder and creative director, property branding agency me&dave As the property industry’s mini bounce-back begins to fade, we need to rethink our approach and make sure we’re ready for whatever the future holds. The weeks since the government eased restrictions on viewings have been good. Developers, investors and agents experienced none of the predicted nervousness about venturing back into the property market, whether private sale or rental. In fact, Zoopla reported an 88% spike in interest following a significant lockdown slump. The pandemic and lockdown have seen many people rethink their priorities. After being stuck indoors, negative feelings about homes and neighbourhoods could have intensified. Some people may have decided to cut the commute and try city-centre living. For others, months of remote working could well have opened up new horizons (‘Maybe it’s time to swap Slough for St Ives’). But whatever the reasons behind the initial reprieve, analysts are now predicting that it will soon run out of steam as we move out of lockdown and confront the recession. (Unemployment is on the up, unsurprisingly – the Office for National Statistics calculated a rise of 856,000 to 2.1 million in April, the biggest monthly upswing since modern records began in 1971.) As uncertainty replaces this initial burst of enthusiasm, we need to think about the impact that the pandemic has had on our industry, and reconsider the way we engage with consumers to keep things on track. Picking up where you left off just isn’t an option. How should the property sector respond and introduce a level of agility and flexibility that can cope with whatever the coming weeks and months throw at us? Digital direction As a sector, we need to regroup, strip things back, look afresh at what we’re offering – and how to communicate that effectively to consumers. Those who put the time into strategically working out how they are going to survive and thrive in an altered landscape will be the new winners. Those who were number one going into lockdown won’t necessarily be number one coming out. In other words, there’s an opportunity here. There’s also scope to try something new when it comes to marketing and branding strategies. To give the ideas that were floated but deemed too risky a go. Now’s the time to push a few boundaries and take a new direction. After all, consumers and stakeholders have come to expect the unexpected in recent weeks. Excelling remotely is so important, and many are exploiting virtual channels to great effect. From guided tours of properties to light-hearted brand-engagement strategies like the #ZooplaFortChallenge. We’re seeing the more savvy property developers and investors out there really work social media, summing up their brand ethos in just a few seconds. U+I’s Regeneration Rethought Insta feed tells you more about the developer’s approach to redevelopment than pages and pages of corporate prose ever could. Short. Honest. To the point. If you want to cut through in the digital space it pays to remember that you’re not just competing with other property sector companies. Everyone uses these channels. Even more reason to get to the point as fast as possible. It’s worth noting that the average person will spend 100 minutes a day watching online video by 2021, according to Zenith Media, so connecting with people via this platform is increasingly important. We should be building these assets quickly. Look at how to make virtual tools work harder for you. A multichannel approach also means that if there’s another Covid-19 spike, you’ll be ready when restrictions are reinstated. But, equally, if constraints are further relaxed, you can come out of the traps ready to act. Now’s not the time to rely on old-school methods. Yes, glossy brochures and marketing suites have their place, but we need to think outside the box, too. Get the message right It’s OK to sell stuff, you just need to get your language and tone of voice right. People have been through all kinds of challenges; their lives have been stripped back to their barest essentials. Being given the hard sell is the last thing anyone wants coming out of hibernation. Yet so much property branding and marketing is overblown, trite and hackneyed. Cut the hype. Simplicity, authenticity and a degree of empathy are what’s needed right now. Connecting in an emotionally transparent and empathetic way is more likely to resonate in times like these. There’s a chance here to create unity between business and customer. When companies show a level of emotional intelligence towards their consumers in difficult circumstances, those customers become more loyal. So talk to them as human beings. Imagine you’re explaining it all to your eight-year-old niece or nephew – their attention will wain quickly at even the slightest whiff of cliché. People’s responses become more frank and honest in trying times; it’s time your brand adopted these same qualities.
Children at Kirkby Church of England Primary school designed posters that were displayed along site hoardings at the 12-acre GMI retail park development project in Kirkby During Covid-19 GMI Construction Group has been working with children from Kirkby Church of England Primary School to showcase posters that the school children have designed to acknowledge the work of the NHS and key workers who have supported us through this time during the pandemic. The school has remained open throughout the pandemic, initially providing emergency childcare for the parents of key workers as well as vulnerable children and more recently it has opened to wider year groups. The children who designed the posters were those whose parents were key workers and on the frontline. The posters have been displayed along the site hoardings that surround the 12-acre retail development GMI is constructing for Knowsley Council in Kirkby Town Centre. Speaking about the initiative GMI Divisional Managing Director Marc Banks said: “Some of the posters designed by the children are fantastic and we are proud to have the chance to display them on the hoardings that surround the Kirkby Retail development. This is a fantastic initiative in support of the parent keyworkers to recognise the fantastic work they have been doing. We have already had some very kind and positive comments from the people of Kirkby having seen the posters and the support they have shown has been fantastic. As a result of the initiative GMI has offered to support the school with any projects it may have coming forward as a show of our thanks to the keyworkers. We would like to thank again and applaud the children, their teachers and keyworkers again for this amazing initiative.” GMI will also be working with Knowsley Council and pupils at the school in the new academic year on a time capsule project as part of the construction of the new retail development. Also commenting Mair Hindmarch, Headteacher at Kirkby Church of England Primary School said: “We’ve got ten children within the school whose parents are keyworkers and they each wanted to recognise how much they appreciate them and are proud of their efforts. The children had seen how other posters had been appearing within the community and wanted to design some of their own to display within the school. When GMI contacted us, we were enormously proud and grateful to have the chance to show these fantastic posters off on such a high-profile development in Kirkby. We would like to express our thanks to GMI and Knowsley Council.” The 94,000 sq. ft Kirkby retail developmentfeatures a new 42,000 sq. ft Morrisons superstore, petrol filling station and retail units including Home Bargains and a drive-thru KFC.