The working office environment may well be transforming. The transition to remote and flexible working has been a gradual process for many over the years, with some business leaders not fully convinced of the productivity and performance levels achievable by employees working from home. Yet all that changed overnight as
Responding to official planning performance statistics for 2019/20 published today, trade body Homes for Scotland (HFS) described another overall increase in decision times for housing applications as “hugely frustrating”. Director of Planning Tammy Swift-Adams said: “Despite an 11.5 per cent drop in the number of decisions made on local housing
Life doesn’t require that you hire a lawyer daily, but sometimes you are left with no choice but to retain one for people to take you seriously. For instance, if you suspect discrimination or any employment law violation in your workplace, the best cause of action will be consulting a
Too many buildings are unsafe, and too many residents feel trapped in their homes says chief executive Mike Robinson The chief executive of the British Safety Council has today written to the Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher, to ask the government to act to remove unsafe cladding from tower blocks. Three
In February 2018, MGM Cotai opened in Macau; however, it wasn’t a finished product at that time. In August 2019, MGM Cotai added to its mix, a theatre, additional restaurants, VIP gaming areas and other non-gaming amenities. Besides, when the Mansion opened in early 2019, the whole facility started to
National wholesaler TF Solutions has become the latest addition to the REFCOM Elite Supplier scheme. Part of the BSS Group, which is a BESA affiliate member, TF Solutions joins just as REFCOM is celebrating receiving the Industry Initiative of the Year award at the ACR News Awards for the scheme.
Independent Builders Merchant Group has appointed industry stalwart, Allun Pittingale, to the newly created role of Managing Director of the Builders Merchants Division. Allun started his career at the independent Western Builders Merchants in South London and has an impressive track record as a trader, steeped in builders merchanting. From
The proportion of UK small businesses predicting growth has almost doubled in just three months – from 14% to 27% – giving one of the first tangible indications that the Government’s easing of lockdown is having a positive impact on a key area of the UK economy. The quarterly tracking
Castleforge Partners, a leading UK-based real estate fund manager, today announced the final close of its third value-add commercial real estate fund at over £270m. Castleforge Partners III (“CFP III” or the “Fund”) successfully exceeded its predecessor by 15%, despite challenging fundraising conditions created by Brexit uncertainty and the COVID-19
THE number of project managers, contractors and stakeholders opting to carry out training in NEC contracts has sharply risen thanks to online training courses, NEC4 drafter Dr Stuart Kings reveals. Online training on how to best use and understand the NEC suite of contracts was launched in May via NEC
The working office environment may well be transforming. The transition to remote and flexible working has been a gradual process for many over the years, with some business leaders not fully convinced of the productivity and performance levels achievable by employees working from home. Yet all that changed overnight as lockdown measures were enforced by the government to safeguard the population against Covid-19. Businesses were left with two choices – cease operations or support employees to get up and running from home where possible. But as lockdown measures are eased, what will the future working environment look like for office workers? A combination of remote and office-based working will likely be how we work, but what do business leaders need to consider in order to get employees working to their full potential within flexible office setups? Connectivity and collaboration hold the key. Smarter and more flexible working environments Research during the pandemic shows that more than 39% of adults in employment are now working from home compared to around 12% last year, and two-thirds (63%) of workers said they are open to working from home full time and never going back to the physical office permanently once ‘normality’ resumes. We’ve heard a lot about the ‘new normal’ in recent weeks and how many elements of daily life will be different. It’s safe to say that this will affect the working office environment too, with remote working becoming a permanent feature even once lockdown ends. Businesses are already thinking about how they can roll out a more flexible setup, considering new operational procedures around the management of desk space once some workers return to the office. The concept of ‘hot desking’ will definitely change, for example, as additional sanitisation will be required for the next user along with appropriate record keeping. The silver lining is that the additional cleaning may reduce and eradicate other bugs and viruses that circulate in office environments. For shared office space, the automation of shared touch points such as door handles, elevators and sanitary systems is a straightforward way to limit cross-contamination. Use of voice-activated system technology that we already use in our smart speakers at home will be a fundamental element of design to avoid touching common surfaces. Installing new materials for regular touchpoints with properties that interfere with virus reproduction, such as copper (which researchers say kills viruses such as MERS and H1N1 in minutes) could also become commonplace. Technology can also be used to monitor hand soap and sanitiser bottle fill levels, monitor and alarm the mandatory two-metre distance between people via infrared beams, and analyse movement around the office and density in recreational areas by thermal imaging camera systems. Using AI algorithms, the technology can alert when gatherings of too many people are occurring in one place, enabling measures to be taken earlier to restrict numbers and disperse groups. This can also extend to wearable devices that alert the user based on proximity to and time with other individuals. Specialist equipment is also being deployed to take temperature readings of employees and visitors to detect high temperatures, which is a key sign of being positive for Covid-19. Room sensors could be deployed in offices to measure humidity and temperature levels and send alerts when best conditions for virus multiplication are being reached, so that evasive steps can be taken. As government app-based ‘track and trace’ initiatives start to roll out, initiatives such as these will start to become part of the day to day routine for the entire population. Contact tracing applications that inform us and others about potential exposure to infected persons and monitor how long people are together will be vital to protecting people’s health and wellbeing. Particularly so as lockdown measures ease and everyone starts mixing and interacting with other people outside of their usual ‘bubbles’. Remote productivity As the home becomes an extension to the office, there must be separate infrastructure, connectivity and optimisation of the living space for health, for productivity and for professionalism. Those working in bedrooms or on dining tables will be able to do so temporarily, but it’s not feasible for the long term. Some employees will be used to working from home and others won’t. Especially with the orchestration of video conferencing and having to learn how to behave on camera, some prefer the culture and interaction that only a live office setting can provide. One of the primary goals for every business is to achieve optimum productivity levels, so with a distributed workforce, business leaders want to be sure that productivity, performance and outputs won’t take a hit. Technology can be deployed to review productivity levels. For example, many call centres already have monitoring technology which reviews how quickly they can pick up and resolve a call, as well as the actions taken during the conversation. Similar technology could be applied across other performance metrics, including measuring the quality and reliability of internet connectivity, which affects our use of cloud applications and collaboration. Unified communication and collaboration (UC&C) tools have also become an essential asset for workers to maintain productivity during the crisis and will continue to be an integral component of the new business environment. Employees need streamlined communication and collaboration systems to perform their roles to an optimum level. A shared digital collaborative space where users can assign tasks, participate in discussions and provide updates is the catalyst for productivity, especially in the absence of a shared office environment. Connectivity supports business continuity This recent huge spike in remote collaboration technology usage by a legion of remote workers has proven to stress broadband networks and impact application performance. These networks at home and in branches will need to be strengthened by additional connectivity/resilience options to ensure optimised user experience, business continuity and to underpin productivity. With excess pressure placed on home broadband networks due to the increased volume of home working, reliable access to corporate networks and cloud applications has been challenging for many. From WiFi extenders to hardware and
Responding to official planning performance statistics for 2019/20 published today, trade body Homes for Scotland (HFS) described another overall increase in decision times for housing applications as “hugely frustrating”. Director of Planning Tammy Swift-Adams said: “Despite an 11.5 per cent drop in the number of decisions made on local housing applications (defined as being for less than 50 homes), the time taken to make those decisions crept up for the second year running. “This is concerning given that these small developments are, by nature, the lifeblood of SME home building businesses – a sector supported by Scottish Government loan funding during the crisis, but also needing local government support if it is to thrive”. “Things are no more positive for major housing applications (those for 50 or more homes), decisions on which were two weeks slower than the previous year at 37.5 weeks – more than double the 16 week statutory timescale.” “With all of the consultation and discussion time that has gone into improving the planning system, it is extremely frustrating to see this evidence that improvements are just not emerging on the ground.” “And, of course, we also await the Scottish Government’s decision on whether planning application fees will be increased again. This decision, and the timing of its implementation, must be made in the context of this performance – with home builders currently receiving some of the poorest service across the system whilst already paying the lion’s share of fees.” Swift-Adams also points to the Scottish Government’s new consultation document proposing changes to Scottish Planning Policy. These include removing the principle that planning applications that will help solve housing shortages should be looked upon favourably by decision-makers. The paper also seems to suggest that planning authorities should focus more singly on allocating their preferred sites and pay less regard to whether or not the homes that are needed are actually going to be built. She continued: “Scottish families and communities don’t need housing land. They want real homes to live in, and more of them. That requires a better functioning system and policy that encourages local planning authorities to ensure the sites they choose for housing development can and will be delivered. With the housing market showing encouraging signs post-lockdown, now is the time for local authorities to work closely with home builders to deliver the homes required.”
Life doesn’t require that you hire a lawyer daily, but sometimes you are left with no choice but to retain one for people to take you seriously. For instance, if you suspect discrimination or any employment law violation in your workplace, the best cause of action will be consulting a top employment lawyer to help you understand the cause of your claim. Employment law is complex, and you would want someone who has studied and practiced the same for years on, if not decades. Moreover, your employer ordinarily has more money than you and will probably retain a counsel before you. Therefore, it only makes sense if you lawyer up from the word go! It is important to note that you don’t have to wait for an official termination letter from your employer to hire a lawyer. A reasonable employment lawyer will help you analyze the employment law challenges at your workplace and offer possible advice or resolutions that can help you avoid a bigger dispute altogether. After all, you are hiring a lawyer to try to rectify a problem and not spark a battle. So, what are the reasons that should prompt you to retain an employment lawyer? Well, they include but aren’t limited to the following: Suspicion of employment law violation You might be working at a frustrating place, and you come to conclude that it is your employer who is violating the employment law to intimidate and get the most out of you. It is important to understand that frustration doesn’t equate to illegality. Maybe the place is evidently daunting, but the circumstances and conditions are completely legal. Instead of spending much money and time filing for an immediate complaint, it would help if you first hire an employment lawyer to investigate your suspicion and determine the best options for a response without further legal loopholes. Establishing legal claims Not all employees understand the extent of the employment law and will often confuse opinions and suggestions for the actual law. You should retain an experienced employment lawyer before pursuing your legal options to determine the exact claims that you are dealing with. Lawyers charge a constant consultation fee, and you’ll only be required to pay more if you choose to retain full services Employer interaction Your employer will always take your direct complaints for granted until you show some level of seriousness. Instead of always trying to prove your point with the company’s handbook, try and retain a lawyer, and the employer will have your full attention. Review your employment agreement Most people sign contracts under duress and unnecessary pressure, especially when they are threatened that the jobs might be awarded to someone else who is “needier”. Therefore, it is common to find employers agreeing to clauses and phrases that they either interpret wrongly or don’t know their meanings at all. If the job is a high-gear net, it will be best to let your lawyer evaluate and explain the employment terms. Remember, one term this is favorable to another employee might be controversial to you. It is better to go there knowing what you are walking yourself into. Negotiate case settlement Lastly, you might want to hire an employment law attorney to negotiate case settlement, especially after determining that a clause in your employment agreement has been violated. You will want to air your thoughts and best interests without feeling trapped in an emotional bubble. Moreover, you might also want to get the settlement and still continue working with the same employer, and so a feeling of hatred and animosity between the two of you will not help in any way. Lawyers are trained to negotiate professionally without losing their cool. Your employer will also likely accord your lawyer more time and respect than if it was only you in the negotiation table.
Too many buildings are unsafe, and too many residents feel trapped in their homes says chief executive Mike Robinson The chief executive of the British Safety Council has today written to the Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher, to ask the government to act to remove unsafe cladding from tower blocks. Three years on from the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower it is estimated that 60,000 are living in homes with Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding similar to that which caused the fire and led to the deaths of 72 people in June 2017. Yesterday in the House of Commons, in a debate on Flammable Cladding Removal in the House of Commons, MPs lined up to demand action from the housing minister. The debate was secured by Labour MP Rushanara Ali. According to government figures, 155 of the 455 high-rise buildings identified as covered in ACM have had cladding removed, leaving 300 with dangerous cladding still in place. In his response the minister said that the government’s building safety programme will ensure that high-rise buildings are safe and that unsafe ACM must be removed from all high-rise residential buildings, at no cost to leaseholders. The minister conceded that “even with public funding available, the pace has been much too slow.” The government has promised that it will shortly publish the draft Building Safety Bill, described by Mr Pincher as “a once-in-a-generation change to the building safety regime.” Speaking from his home today Mike Robinson, the chief executive of the British Safety Council said: “I have today written to the housing minister to ask for an update on action to remove cladding from high-rise residential buildings. The statistics on the building safety programme are shocking. There are still 300 high-rise residential and publicly-owned buildings with the same flammable cladding which caused the fire at Grenfell Tower. I agree with his recent comments in parliament that the pace of progress has been far too slow.” He went on to say: “I am afraid that politely asking building owners to “do the right thing”, to remove cladding and not to pass the costs onto their leaseholders has not worked. Attempts to empower local authorities to enforce replacement of cladding have also failed – not least because years of underfunding of councils and the HSE mean that even if the will is there to step in, the resources simply are not there. We all want the same outcome – let’s get on with it!” About the British Safety Council The British Safety Council believes that no-one should be injured or made ill through their work. Since its foundation in 1957, the British Safety Council has campaigned tirelessly to protect workers from accidents, hazards and unsafe conditions, and played a decisive role in the political process that has led to the adoption of landmark safety legislation in the UK. Its members in more than 60 countries are committed to protecting and improving the wellbeing of workers, believing that a healthy and safe work environment is also good for business. As part of its charitable work, the British Safety Council leads health and safety networking forums for all sectors, facilitates and promotes best practice in Britain and overseas. It also offers a range of services and products, including training, qualifications, publications, audits and awards. The British Safety Council works closely with organisations, charities and individuals who share its vision of ensuring that every worker goes home at the end of the day as healthy as they were when they went to work. We would be grateful if you could use British Safety Council in full rather than abbreviating to BSC when quoting our organisation. British Safety Council’s networks: Website: www.britsafe.org Twitter: www.twitter.com/britsafe Facebook: www.facebook.com/britishsafetycouncil YouTube: www.youtube.com/britishsafetycouncil LinkedIn group: www.linkedin.com/company/british-safety-council Safety Management: https://sm.britsafe.org
In February 2018, MGM Cotai opened in Macau; however, it wasn’t a finished product at that time. In August 2019, MGM Cotai added to its mix, a theatre, additional restaurants, VIP gaming areas and other non-gaming amenities. Besides, when the Mansion opened in early 2019, the whole facility started to move on all cylinders. Like its cousin from Las Vegas, the Mansion caters to the most prominent gaming venue, and just like in Las Vegas, there is no map on the property. Entertainment & Relaxation to the Next Level The Mansion is designed in such a way that it is tucked away from prying eyes and assures privacy for its special guests. The venue features 27 ultra-luxury villas that range from 215 square meters to 570 square meters. All of the villas come with dining lounges, balconies and separate entrances, and elevators that give direct access to the rooms. The Mansion offers 1.390 guestrooms and suites that include 1.248 standard rooms, 99 suites, and 16 Skylofts, besides the 27 Mansion Villas. The casino features approximately 175 table games, such as poker, roulette, blackjack, and around 1.500 slot machines. Other amenities include meeting and convention space, a ballroom that can accommodate up to 1.000 people, and the property’s Sky Lounge that provide a meeting place for residents of Skylofts. Besides, the guest will also enjoy a high-end spa that features male, female, and VIP pools along with thermal experiences of Saltstone Saunas, Herbal Steam Rooms, and treatment rooms of Spa Heaven facilities. Business Opportunity The chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, James Murren, said that with the opening of The Mansion, the company is becoming a significant player in the premium-mass market from Macau. He added that they needed everything up and running, and he told his investors that The Mansion is open, and all the villas are now available. The received answer was definite, and the venue helped them move into another segment that was hard before. The Mansion helped to add value to that segment. The CEO of MGM Cotai, Grant Bowie, said that The Mansion has a special significance for the property, and they are excited to see that MGM Cotai ramped upwards. The venue offers exclusive luxury, which is the next level and helps the company in the premium segment. Murren added that because of The Mansion, they could continue to grow the premium mass segment while also boosting the Macau market share. All they want is to focus on making sure that the final product is right. Innovative Design Because of the design, MGM Cotai continues to receive international kudos. Kohn Pedersen Fox designed the building and won the top spot in the Emporis Skyscraper Award program. Besides, MGM Cotai, the enormous casino-hotel-resort in Macau, has been designed in collaboration with Wong Tung & Partners Ltd and was selected as the best new tall building by the jurors. The judges also cited that MGM Cotai has an innovative design. They said that the unique structure is based on the idea of nine Chinese jeweller’s boxes stacked upon each other and can form two interconnected towers. The asymmetrical design and gold colouring can create a dynamic and glamorous appearance, which fits the Macau atmosphere. Also, the MGM Cotai is offering the Spectacle, which is a multi-functional area with the world’s largest free-span, grad-shaped glass roof. In other words, MGM Cotai has a glittering jewel-like facade that towers over the Cotai Strip, and MGM Cotai is Macau’s icon of innovation. Visitors are invited to step inside a cutting-edge, multi-sensory realm where they can discover Asia’s first genuinely adaptive and dynamic theatre. Or, immerse themselves in the mesmerizing Spectacle. This atrium is significant as a football pitch where they can admire one of the world’s largest sensory digital art collections on display. Visitors can also experience nine unique restaurants and bars, sophisticated retail, and engaging offerings. Digital Art Collection of the Spectacle In the heart of MGM Cotai, there is an immersive multi-sensory experience that uses innovative technology and living artistry that showcases unparalleled natural wonders. The Spectacle has a space that breathes with life beneath the glass canopy, which continues to evolve, grow, and respond to change with direct visitor interaction, weather, time of day, and seasons. The result is a captivating experience. Within the Spectacle, there is the world’s largest area of permanent LED screens that showcase an exclusive array of digital art collected from the world. It is also the setting platform for world-renowned artists and photographers such as Joel Sartore, Madga Indigo, Garth Willians, Rob Kesseler and Wolfgang Stuppy. The Spectacle is a combination of nature, art, music, language, and culture that inspires guests to perceive the world around them in a rational way. The Spectacle also has an indoor garden called Nature’s Art, where it holds over 2.000 species and over 100.000 plants that are native to Macau, Mainland China, and 18 other countries. The value of the plants is embraced; it doesn’t matter if it is rare or common. Here, with the aid of seed banks based in Hong Kong and Europe, extinct species were brought back to life. For The Love of Nature & Art The interior landscape of Nature’s Art looks like a natural landscape that evolves by perpetuating changing textures, colours, and even scents that allow these works of art to inspire anew. Minghu Nerval designed Nature’s Art, and through the deliberate use of botany, horticulture, and design, the place is a journey of history, culture, and art. Besides, the art doesn’t stop here. MGM Cotai has an Art Discovery where visitors are invited to step into spectacular and wonder through their guided art tours. The art features at MGM Cotai are available on request every day, and they can be arranged at the hotel’s lobby. Art enthusiasts are invited to admire a multitude of abstract paintings, sculptures, tapestries, photographs, and graphics.
National wholesaler TF Solutions has become the latest addition to the REFCOM Elite Supplier scheme. Part of the BSS Group, which is a BESA affiliate member, TF Solutions joins just as REFCOM is celebrating receiving the Industry Initiative of the Year award at the ACR News Awards for the scheme. The refrigeration and air conditioning distributor is the latest supplier to be audited and accredited as an Elite Supplier in line with REFCOM’s ambition to encourage all parts of the supply chain to voluntarily commit to the highest professional standards. REFCOM Elite is a best practice company registration scheme that has been running since 1994 to promote environmentally responsible refrigerant management and compliance with the latest industry legislation. Head of REFCOM Graeme Fox said the Elite Supplier scheme was set up so that responsible suppliers could help ensure that only properly qualified and registered companies were accessing refrigerant gas and equipment in line with the F-Gas Regulation. Unscrupulous “This scheme means suppliers have a way of demonstrating that they have signed up to a voluntary code of conduct that will level the playing field across the supply chain,” said Mr Fox. “This will also free up resources so the enforcing authorities are better able to police and clamp down on irresponsible online or unscrupulous sales to non-registered installers.” He said TF Solutions was a welcome addition to this “exclusive club” who had demonstrated to REFCOM’s independent inspector that they were working to the highest standards. TF Solutions commercial director Andy Reed said his company was happy to be “an early adopter” demonstrating support for the improved professional standards championed by the REFCOM scheme. “TF Solutions has always focused on providing our customers with the best service; so we felt that it was only right that we, as a leading national wholesaler, should participate and uphold the highest values and standards,” he said. “Supporting the F-Gas Regulation will be vital if the industry is to achieve its environmental and climate change goals and REFCOM’s Elite programme is playing a crucial role,” said Mr Reed.
Independent Builders Merchant Group has appointed industry stalwart, Allun Pittingale, to the newly created role of Managing Director of the Builders Merchants Division. Allun started his career at the independent Western Builders Merchants in South London and has an impressive track record as a trader, steeped in builders merchanting. From the age of twenty one, he held several branch manager positions for Erith Building Supplies, Hall & Co and Builder Center before joining the Travis Perkins Group in 2001. He spent eighteen years with the TP Group and was a central figure in the leadership team that brought the Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery business to market before being appointed regional managing director in the South East, a role he held for the last four years. Renowned for building tight teams and obsessing about his customers and colleagues, he is considered a perfect fit for IBMG. Allun said: “I have been a big fan of independent merchants for many years and I had been intrigued by the unique competition provided by the newly formed Independent Builders Merchant Group. I am absolutely thrilled to be joining IBMG and be going back to my independent roots.” Andrew Cope of Independent Builder Merchant Group, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Allun to IBMG and know that under his leadership, our builders merchant branches will go from strength to strength.” Independent Builders Merchant Group includes Parkers and Chandlers Building, Stamco Timber and Fairolls. The Group provides all heavy-side building materials, civils, roofing & timber, plus an array of ancillary product lines including kitchens, plumbing & heating, joinery, architectural ironmongery, gardening and landscaping supplies. Local branch contact details can be found at www.independentbm.com <http://www.independentbm.com>
The proportion of UK small businesses predicting growth has almost doubled in just three months – from 14% to 27% – giving one of the first tangible indications that the Government’s easing of lockdown is having a positive impact on a key area of the UK economy. The quarterly tracking study by Hitachi Capital Business Finance goes beyond sentiment and confidence – it examines the percentage of small businesses that actually predict growth in the next three months. Following last quarter’s report, which saw the percentage of small business owners predicting growth plummeting from 39% to just 14%, the new findings show the highest quarter-on-quarter rise in five years. With 27% predicting growth overall, there were significant rises in the percentage of small businesses predicting moderate expansion the next three months (up from 10% to 23%) or no change (26% to 43%). This meant there has been a huge reduction in the percentage of businesses that fear contraction (down from 31% to 19%) or collapse in the next three months (down by almost two thirds from 29% to 11%). By sector, the IT/telecoms sector had the highest proportion of small businesses that predicted growth for the three months to 30th September (44%). The biggest rises in confidence since lockdown were evidenced in and transport and distribution (up from 8% to 34%) and manufacturing (9% to 30%), where the resurgence of growth forecasts was striking. There were also significant rises in sectors hardest hit by lockdown: In retail, the percentage of small businesses predicting growth rose from 21% to 27% – and in hospitality growth forecasts rose from 11% to 16% in the three months since April. The research also suggests that smaller, more agile enterprises will be the fastest to adapt to the UK’s re-emergence from lockdown: Small businesses that had been trading for less than five years (35%) and those that employed 10-49 employees (37%) were most likely to predict business growth for the next three months (to 30th September). Gavin Wraith-Carter, Managing Director at Hitachi Capital Business Finance commented: “The latest Hitachi Capital research findings are remarkable for both the scale and the speed of the revival in small business confidence. We knew last quarter that small business confidence would fall as lockdown started and the scale of the fall was a concern, particularly the steep rise in the number of business owners fearing for their survival. Our new research – just in – shows what an immediate and positive impact the easing of lockdown has had on the small business community. Whilst bigger businesses are having to adjust and adapt at a slower pace, small business confidence across the UK has bounced back and as the engine room of the British economy, today’s figures can give us confidence that small businesses will lead the nation’s effort to rebuild the economy and secure growth.”
Castleforge Partners, a leading UK-based real estate fund manager, today announced the final close of its third value-add commercial real estate fund at over £270m. Castleforge Partners III (“CFP III” or the “Fund”) successfully exceeded its predecessor by 15%, despite challenging fundraising conditions created by Brexit uncertainty and the COVID-19 outbreak. Castleforge Partners has further diversified its investor base, securing new commitments from institutional investors in North America, Europe and Latin America including a private pension fund, endowment, foundation and family offices. The Fund also received strong support from existing investors, with approximately 60% of the capital from long-standing partners. This combination of investors shows confidence in Castleforge Partners’ ability to outperform in the current market environment. Castleforge Partners is a private equity real estate business that was established in 2010 and has grown to a team of over 70 professionals (incorporating their London headquartered core team and in-house operating platforms clustered around the asset base). Since inception, Castleforge has closed 40 deals and successfully realized 17. Research remains a central tenet of the investment strategy and the output informs asset selection and thematic focus. This has helped to guide Castleforge away from troubled sectors and built exposure to themes that benefit from structural growth tailwinds. Driven by research, Castleforge has placed increasing emphasis on operational improvement to supplement traditional value creation initiatives. This has led to the creation of in-house operating platforms which enhance occupational experience to match evolving end-user demand, while driving yield and managing operational risk. The platform is establishing considerable scale in various high growth asset-classes and has begun to expand the asset base into continental Europe. Commenting on the Fund closing, Brandon Hollihan, Co-Founder of Castleforge Partners, said: “We are greatly appreciative of our investors, old and new, for their support and partnership. It is an exciting time for Castleforge Partners, and we believe we are well positioned to access new opportunities and grow our business, whilst also supporting the communities in which we invest.” Atlantic-Pacific Capital served as the exclusive global placement agent. Alex Hurst, Partner at Atlantic-Pacific, said: “We are pleased to close CFP III with commitments in excess of the predecessor vehicle despite headwinds in the capital markets resulting from a trilogy of events incorporating Brexit, a snap election and a global pandemic. We have enjoyed the second collaboration with Castleforge Partners and expect their focus on risk management and the unremitting evolution of their platform will serve investors well.”
THE number of project managers, contractors and stakeholders opting to carry out training in NEC contracts has sharply risen thanks to online training courses, NEC4 drafter Dr Stuart Kings reveals. Online training on how to best use and understand the NEC suite of contracts was launched in May via NEC and national framework provider Pagabo. As with courses across the board, this training was converted into an online format and a huge response has seen all online training completely fully booked and future courses all reaching maximum numbers already. Dr Stuart Kings, technical director and in-house NEC expert at Pagabo, said: “It’s been really important to ensure that training can still be maintained during a time when organisations need NEC guidance the most, and we’re thrilled to report that the response to these online courses has been phenomenal. “People want the accreditation – and the online format has made the courses far more accessible at a time when individuals and organisations alike have adapted quickly to technology. “With the NEC, there are multiple contracts – a bit like a ‘box set’ of all contracts which includes consultancy, sub-contractors, major works and design, and build and operate. NEC covers every procurement exercise under the sub and embodies the principles of good project management – which is why it is now the dominant contract in the construction industry.” Stuart was one of the drafters of the NEC4 suite of contractors, which are used by Pagabo in its procurement processes. He reports that many organisations are currently wanting to gain a deeper understanding of how NEC contractors works, and to ensure that they are up to speed with the way it can be of benefit to them in terms of project management. As well as giving training to Pagabo’s contractors, supply chain and clients, Stuart has also been giving advice to organisations such as Pick Everard. Stuart continued: “While the NEC contract covers major projects such as Hinckley Point C, CrossRail and HS2, it is also suitable for smaller projects too. The training courses have taken people through the contract in close detail, from start to end. They have provided a checklist of actions taking you from day one of the project, right through to completion.” Simon Toplass, chief executive at Pagabo, said: “The NEC contract itself has been around since 1991, and when it launched it was seen as radically rewriting the rulebook. Instead of focusing purely on contractual procedures, the contract became more about project management principles and modern practice. “NEC is now so central to procurement particularly within the construction industry, so it’s really crucial for framework providers like us to offer real expertise in order to advise clients and suppliers and give the best possible support. We’re thrilled to have an in-house expert in Stuart and to be able to offer this expertise and training to others in the sector.” For more information, please visit www.pagabo.co.uk