The distinctive, semi-elliptical shape of the new 90m high glass and steel office building at 70 St Mary Axe in London required proven passive fire protection and acoustic solutions that could fit with the unique curved frame. Leading manufacturer of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products, SIDERISE, met the challenge.
Bobcat is launching new Stage V compliant telehandlers alongside Stage V versions of the company’s M-Series T450 and T590 compact track loaders. In both the new telehandlers and compact track loaders, the changes include several new features and options. The new machines are powered by proven Bobcat D34 and D24
Jewish people have had a troublesome history. They were taken into captivity by the Babylonians in the 6th century, occupied by Roman rule for hundreds of years, and even endured the terrifying Crusades that tore many religions and people apart. Of course, the most recent tragedy that the Jewish people
Scotland’s First Minister has given the green light to a construction industry soft start – The move will allow a number of contractors to get back on site, under strict conditions – Council Leaders welcome the news and say public and worker safety will remain top priority for Edinburgh Construction
There are times when you choose to post some items in the mail which need more protection than common paper envelopes. And this type of envelope is also the perfect thing when it comes to transferring items and packaging online that are flat yet sensitive. Being available in different sizes, these envelopes
Everyone can’t afford to buy a 4000 sq. Ft. villa. Buying a house with master bedrooms, a spacious living room, an airy kitchen, and giant-sized washrooms requires a lot of money. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t make a small square feet house look spacious, comfortable, and airy. The
SELECT, the trade body for electrical professionals in Scotland, has welcomed a small but significant upturn in the number of young women undergoing apprenticeships as electricians. Figures gathered by Scotland’s largest trade association show that there are now 13 female apprentices training to be electricians in 2019-2020, compared to seven
The home building industry has warmly welcomed the First Minister’s announcement that construction can move to Phase 2 of its restart plan which will see sites begin to open up again with workers following strict social distancing and hygiene controls. Providing further confidence for both prospective customers and builders, the
NAPIT has created a new publication which helps Landlords and Electrical Inspectors understand the new Legislation governing electrical safety checks within dwellings in England, which will be introduced from 1st June 2020, coming into force for new tenancies on the 1st July 2020. This new Legislation is a welcomed approach
Having recently released their highly successful back to work guide, workplace consultants and office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors is advancing towards its next phase of company growth following the appointment of Mike McKeown as Client Services Director. Mike will join Rob Day, Chloe Sproston and Rachel Biddles on the management
The distinctive, semi-elliptical shape of the new 90m high glass and steel office building at 70 St Mary Axe in London required proven passive fire protection and acoustic solutions that could fit with the unique curved frame. Leading manufacturer of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products, SIDERISE, met the challenge. Built by Mace, 70 St Mary Axe is another example of architects pushing the envelope when it comes to daring and striking design. The curvaceous form of the 24 storey structure presented a number of challenges for façade contractor, Focchi, including the creation of a cold-curved glass panel. In addition, the building’s unusual shape meant each floor was slightly different from the ones above and below, therefore requiring a high level of accuracy and detail to meet the sound barrier and fire stop requirements. The collaboration with Focchi saw SIDERISE recommend the CW-FS 120 fire stop to seal the gap between the curved walling system and the slabs of this tapered building and also as a vertical barrier for each internal steel column. As well as being an effective seal against the passage of fire and smoke, the CW-FS 120 will also function as an effective acoustic barrier and plenum lining. SIDERISE also provided the BM/P acoustic barrier mat to assist in reducing flanking transmission between adjacent internal areas and further improve the room-to-room acoustic performance. Commenting on the project, Matteo Bugané, Project Manager at Focchi said: “The technical assistance and advice from SIDERISE was invaluable to ensure compatibility between the fire stops and our curtain walling system. We also developed the vertical acoustic barrier with the SIDERISE team to reach the required 45dB performance requirements on the project. The experience working with SIDERISE on this project was excellent and we look forward to working with them on the next project.” Whilst specifying the correct product is vital, the quality of installation of a life-safety critical product is equally as important. Throughout the application, the SIDERISE Inspection and Reporting App provided Focchi with an efficient way to effectively inspect, record and seamlessly audit the quality of the installation of the fire stops. By capturing the relevant information on a tablet device, the contractor was able to highlight any issues in need of a resolution. The App allows the user to easily update data input fields, capture multiple photos for each area or element inspected, and then record as in accordance with recommendations, or otherwise. A comprehensive report is immediately generated which effectively offers feedback on the quality of installation of the areas inspected in accordance with recommendations, thereby identifying areas that require remedial treatment. The SIDERISE Inspection and Reporting App is part of a comprehensive range of services from the company’s site services team which ensures that each stage of a project, from product selection to final installation, runs smoothly. With this stunning city building and its curvaceous irregular form a welcome addition to the London skyline, SIDERISE played its part in delivering tried and tested solutions which met the client’s passive fire protection and noise transfer requirements
Bobcat is launching new Stage V compliant telehandlers alongside Stage V versions of the company’s M-Series T450 and T590 compact track loaders. In both the new telehandlers and compact track loaders, the changes include several new features and options. The new machines are powered by proven Bobcat D34 and D24 Stage V high torque diesel engines, designed specifically for Bobcat compact equipment. Both of the new Stage V engines are based on well proven designs installed in thousands of Bobcat machines worldwide. New Stage V Telehandlers Offer Better Ease of Use and Efficiency The new D34 Stage V engine allows customers to operate their telehandlers in emission-regulated zones, thanks to the new DPF after-treatment system. In addition, the engine does not use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), so there is no need for AdBlue®. A key aspect of the D34 Stage V engine is the new autonomous after-treatment system – DPF regeneration is performed automatically, with no impact on performance – this ensures peace of mind for the operator, allowing them to concentrate solely on the work at hand. “The 75 HP engine is mainly used by construction and rental companies in the United Kingdom, Italy and Benelux owing to its competitive price and simplicity, whilst still providing plenty of power to tackle all applications on the jobsite,” says Quentin D’Hérouël, Product Manager Telehandlers at Doosan Bobcat. The D34 Stage V 56 kW (75 HP) engine in the new telehandlers provides an average 7% lower fuel consumption and offers a 14% higher torque than the previous Stage IV engine, for more power at lower RPM and faster recovery. There is a choice of 11 different Bobcat telehandler models with the 56 kW (75 HP) Stage V engine, covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.6 and 4.1 tonne with lifting heights from 6 to 18 m. The TL26.60, TL30.60 and TL30.70 compact telescopic loaders The T35.105, T35.105L and T36.120SL middle lift telehandlers The T35.130S and T35.140S rental industry-oriented telehandlers The T35.130SLP, T41.140SLP and T40.180SLP high lift telehandlers New Engine Hood Design Increases Visibility The Stage V telehandlers feature a new engine hood with a steeper profile that increases visibility and reduces blind spots by 15% on the right hand side of the machines. Access to the engine compartment has also been improved, enabling easier maintenance. “The new 56 kW (75 HP) telehandlers will be followed by further Stage V models powered by 74.5 kW (100 HP) and 97 kW (130 HP) versions of the D34 Stage V engine, which will be launched in 2021. This will be a completely new generation of telescopics with dramatic user experience and low cost of ownership improvement,” adds Quentin D’Hérouël. All Bobcat telehandlers are covered by a three year/3000 hour warranty as standard from the factory, with the option of extending the warranty to five years/6000 hours. The entire Bobcat range of telehandlers is designed and produced at the company’s plant in Pontchâteau in France. New M-Series Stage V Compact Track Loaders The new T450 and T590 Stage V compact track loaders follow on from the recently launched Bobcat M-Series S450, S510 and S530 Stage V skid-steer loaders. All new M-Series loaders provide operators with increased performance, enhanced comfort and optimised maintenance requirements. These M-Series loaders are among the first models in the Bobcat compact equipment range in Europe to have the company’s new machine styling scheme, which includes 3D decals for the first time. “Like the S450, S510 and S530 models, skilful design work by our engineering team has ensured that even with the Bobcat Stage V engine incorporated, the same small dimensions and lift arm patterns are maintained on the new versions of the T450 and T590 compact track loaders. This ensures a truly compact size and low weight, so they can work and manoeuvre easily in tight spaces and can be easily transported,” says Jiri Karmazin, Product Manager Loaders at Doosan Bobcat. Thanks to the new Bobcat Stage V engine, noise levels have been reduced for both bystanders and operators and the vibrations lowered significantly as well to further increase operator comfort. The first engine oil service interval has also been extended to 500 hours, and improved fuel filtration means less frequent filter replacements and reduced running costs. Additionally, new DPF after-treatment technology works automatically without any interaction during normal operation. Improved Performance and Comfort The new Bobcat D24 Engine – with Bosch Fuel Injection System – improves overall machine performance, while meeting the strictest Stage V emissions regulations. Moreover, the engine power to weight ratio has been optimized in both of the T450 and T590 loaders. The new Stage V loaders now feature the previously optional Deluxe control panel as standard, offering a choice of different languages and telematics to protect the machines and to monitor their performance. The Deluxe panel also reduces the risk of misuse thanks to the keyless function. T450 Stage V T590 Stage V Operating weight 2961 kg 3664 kg Shipping weight 2665 kg 3283 kg Tipping load 2049 kg 2773 kg Engine Bobcat D24; 2.4l; Stage V Bobcat D24; 2.4l; Stage V Power 41.0 kW (55 HP) 50.7 kW (68 HP) Please find here below the walkaround videos for the new Bobcat Stage V Telehandlers and Compact Track Loaders:
Jewish people have had a troublesome history. They were taken into captivity by the Babylonians in the 6th century, occupied by Roman rule for hundreds of years, and even endured the terrifying Crusades that tore many religions and people apart. Of course, the most recent tragedy that the Jewish people had to go through was the tyranny of German dictator Adolf Hitler. His sole mission was to rid the world of the Jewish people as a whole. The horrific outcome of his quest was finally ended, but not without disrupting the lives of millions. Considering this troubled history, it might come as no surprise that tracking Jewish ancestry might be a difficult task. After all, historical records have been demolished over and over. Families have been torn apart and many of the survivors of the holocaust are still unsure of where some of their family roots are. Luckily, with the invention and advancement of technology, there are some tips that you can follow to help you track your Jewish Ancestry. 1. Talk to Family The first step you should always take in looking for your Jewish history is to talk to the various people you have in your family – elderly relatives are a mine of information waiting to be tapped. The names and dates they give you should be written down for future reference. 2. Search Records Of course, we know that the tragedy has destroyed many of the records once available. However, all hope is not lost in that area; research what you can find. 3. Research the Jewish Family Names It is common knowledge that Jewish families were pressured to assimilate into the society they were living in. Many Jewish people lost their cultural identity in an attempt to fit into their new society. However, you can find out a lot of information if you happen to know the traditional Jewish family name of your ancestors. 4. Try a DNA Test In this review of best Jewish ancestry DNA test and trace, you can find all of the information that you need about using DNA to trace your ancestry. There is no doubt that the advanced technology we have available to us can help you learn about your rich family history. 5. Track the Settlement Trends Jewish immigrants were more likely to settle and live their lives in the large cities around the United States where infrastructure could be established. They also tended to populate near other Jewish immigrant families. You might want to track these movements to pinpoint geographical information about your ancestry. Final Thoughts Although there are plenty of major disruptions that have caused Jewish families to lack consistency and be tragically torn apart, it is not entirely impossible to trace family history at this time. In fact, with the advancement of genetic availability and accuracy, your odds of success are better now than they have ever been before. The Jewish community deserves answers about their past and they deserve to know who their living family members are through DNA testing.
Scotland’s First Minister has given the green light to a construction industry soft start – The move will allow a number of contractors to get back on site, under strict conditions – Council Leaders welcome the news and say public and worker safety will remain top priority for Edinburgh Construction workers across the Capital will be able to get back on site following an announcement by the Scottish Government. Speaking yesterday (Thursday 11 June), First Minister Nicola Sturgeon signalled that the industry is now able to move into Phase Two of its Six Phase Recovery Plan. This means site works and structural changes to domestic properties are allowed to restart – if Covid-19 guidance can be followed to protect workers and the wider public. Council Leaders have welcomed the move, which will allow many workers to return to their jobs and enable key projects to prepare for a safe reopening. Council Leader Adam McVey said: “This welcome change brings us another step closer to getting Edinburgh’s construction industry back on track. “From building much-needed affordable housing, schools and Edinburgh’s new Meadowbank, to improvements across our transport network, we have around 110 construction projects under contract worth £339m. Getting these projects back underway and progressing high profile developments like the Tram to Newhaven and new St James Centre will be a priority for the industry, the local economy and, crucially, hundreds of our residents who work in construction.” Depute Leader Cammy Day added: “We’ve been working closely with our contractors so that they can make their sites and working practices as safe as possible. It’s vital that no work gets underway until proper measures have been put in place to protect communities and workers against Covid-19. “Changes won’t take place overnight and must be gradual, and we’ll be looking at how we engage local communities at each stage.”
There are times when you choose to post some items in the mail which need more protection than common paper envelopes. And this type of envelope is also the perfect thing when it comes to transferring items and packaging online that are flat yet sensitive. Being available in different sizes, these envelopes are available in plastic or paper covered outer layer and these also feature bubble wrap layers inside the envelopes. One of the best things about this type of envelope is that you can easily get this from different reputable sources in the UK like Bestbuyenvelopes. Why do businesses prefer bubble envelopes? Businesses often have to send mails or some other delicate items through posts. And the padded envelopes work as the safest bet in these cases. These envelopes come with stronger paper made outer layer and an additional protective lining made of recycled fibers or plastic bubble wraps, which protect the items placed inside the envelopes during handling and transition. Some of the reasons why businesses bubble envelopes are: These envelopes are puncture resistant and strong mailbags that can protect the items against all the hazards of shipping. Apart from being highly cost-effective, these mailers are also lightweight and therefore these require less postage cost than shipping boxes. Some of these envelopes also come with self-sealing abilities, which save the time of insertion and fastening. Besides, there is no chance of tampering security. These envelopes can be used numerous times and can also be recycled when needed. Different use of bubble envelopes: Bubble envelopes are used to carry different products. Here is a list of items for which these envelopes are the best packaging option: Small gifts: There are times when companies have to send some gift items to the clients or employees. In these cases, the use of padded envelopes ensures the safe arrival of the gifts at the desired destinations. CD and DVD: These are one of the items, which need some additional protection when these are sent through the mail. Here the bubble wraps in the padded envelopes protect CDs and DVDs from the heavy pressure of other items. Besides, using this kind of envelope also eliminates the requirement of using cardboard boxes, which are heavy and result in additional postal charges. Photographs and documents: When it comes to sending photographs from one place to another, it is important to choose the safest delivery option. It is because if the photographs are folded or pressed hard while handling or during transit, then the quality of the image can suffer a lot. Besides, this type of packaging solution plays an important role when it comes to transferring important official documents in a good and safe condition. Using bubble envelopes ensure that the documents are transferred in undamaged, unfolded, properly packed, and clean condition. Promotional items: This is especially true for the eCommerce businesses where companies need to send some promotional goods, company leaflets, magazines etc. to the existing customers, potential buyers or clients, resellers, and employees to allure them. Sending these items through bubble envelopes ensure that these things reach the recipient’s address in intact condition.
Everyone can’t afford to buy a 4000 sq. Ft. villa. Buying a house with master bedrooms, a spacious living room, an airy kitchen, and giant-sized washrooms requires a lot of money. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t make a small square feet house look spacious, comfortable, and airy. The way you decorate your place, choose furniture, select color palette, and organize things can really sprinkle incredible impact in a small space. The good thing is that despite having a small space, you don’t have to live with the feeling of living in a cramped and messy place. It is easier to break the code of coming up with a living room that looks bigger than it really is. Here are some tricks and tips to fool your eyes, and make your space look bigger: Don’t Cramp Up Space: You might like to put a giant sofa to give an expensive touch to your place, but it really does no good for space. Big-size furniture, unnecessary cupboards, useless tables, and excessive art pieces do nothing to make a living room look plush and beautiful. In fact, they blow up the whole comfy vibes and leave little space to walk without bumping into stray furniture. So, avoid overstuffed sofas and unnecessary space eaters and go with sleek designed, and multipurpose furniture that can serve multiple functions in one go. For example, a tufted ottoman can serve as a coffee table, footrest, and an extra sitting option. Use Bi-Folding Doors: Making a small room look bigger is all about playing your cards smartly and getting the best out of your space. Using elements to splash the vibes of openness and movement do wonder when it is about tricking the spacious vibes. So, instead of going with a solid door, insert a bi-folding door between the living room and the dining room. This way, we can use this door as a wall when required, and fold all the doors and connect both places if you want to add some more space if you have to host a party. See? Like Bi Fold Doors UK, the addition of just one thing can change the whole dimension of your room without much effort. Light Up the Room with Lights: Using the right lighting can really change the feel of the room like magic. It goes without saying that you should let natural shine light up the room during the day. It makes your room brighter and cozy. But for the night, let lights do the trick for keeping the brightness of the room intact. If you feel that floor light will take a massive chunk of useful space, go with pendant lighting, wall or ceiling fixtures, string lights, or/and slimline bar. Use lighting throughout the space to bring a bright and warm feeling. Use the Right Color Palette: The colors you splash on your walls play a huge role in defining the feel of the space. We all know that lighter colors reflect light, giving your room a feeling of calm and brightness. So, instead of using dark hues, light colors, like white, beige, and lighter tones of blue, open up your space. The living room is a place where you spend most of your day watching television, chit-chatting with family members, or simply cozying on the couch. So, it feels good if your living room looks organized, airy, and spacious. Use the tricks mentioned above to get such feels – they really work!
SELECT, the trade body for electrical professionals in Scotland, has welcomed a small but significant upturn in the number of young women undergoing apprenticeships as electricians. Figures gathered by Scotland’s largest trade association show that there are now 13 female apprentices training to be electricians in 2019-2020, compared to seven in 2018-2019. Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT, said: “This is excellent news, coming as it does in Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 2 to 6 March. “An electrical apprenticeship for a young woman, just as for everyone else, is a life-changing experience which can open many doors, not only to further career progression and global travel, but also to professional regard and life fulfilment.” To mark the occasion, SELECT has commissioned a short film, The Power of Apprenticeships, which features an interview at a member company in Falkirk with one of its female apprentices, Neave Brownlie. The TClarke trainee says: “I finished school and could have gone to uni, but I preferred the idea of being paid while I was learning to become a qualified electrician. “I’m enjoying it; you’re never left alone on site, there’s always someone there supporting you and making sure you are safe. I’m treated like a daughter or a sister and everyone I’ve worked with has been lovely. “The exciting thing is the opportunity to travel the world once I have completed my apprenticeship and become a qualified electrician.” The Power of Apprenticeships also features another TClarke employee, Elyse McBride, a qualified electrician who is now office-based and is training to become a quantity surveyor. Elyse – a former SJIB Apprentice of the Year finalist in the SELECT Awards – said: “Completing an apprenticeship as an electrician was fundamental to me moving into a managerial role. “There are any number of different paths that can be followed as a qualified electrician, and the career world is your oyster.” Filmed at TClarke in Falkirk, and now available to view on SELECT’s YouTube channel, the video was produced in partnership with the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and Unite the Union. Ms Harper, who is also The Secretary of the SJIB, added: “There is a world of opportunity for young women in the electrical sector and with this film we hope to encourage many more of them, currently in school or college, to consider an electrical apprenticeship as a serious career option.” Founded in 1900, SELECT is Scotland’s largest trade association. It has nearly 1,250 members businesses with a collective turnover of approximately £1bn, employing more than 15,000 people and 3,500 apprentices. SELECT also delivers training courses to more than 3,500 electricians each year and is committed to regulation of the industry for a safer Scotland. The Scottish Joint Industry Board was founded in 1969 by SELECT and Unite the Union.
The home building industry has warmly welcomed the First Minister’s announcement that construction can move to Phase 2 of its restart plan which will see sites begin to open up again with workers following strict social distancing and hygiene controls. Providing further confidence for both prospective customers and builders, the First Minister also confirmed the extension of the highly successful Help to Buy scheme for a further year until March 2022. Chief Executive of industry body Homes for Scotland Nicola Barclay said: “To get confirmation that home builders can now commence the re-opening of their sites is great news that hasn’t come a moment too soon given the robust safety plans that the industry has developed and put in place. With pent-up housing demand having increased with every day that has passed, we look forward to finishing off the many homes that are already largely complete and that families are desperate to move into as well as starting to get the new homes that are so desperately needed out of the ground. “Having the extension of the Help to Buy scheme announced at the same time is also a much required confidence booster for the housing market that will help ensure even more younger Scots can benefit from this hugely successful initiative and realise their aspirations of owning their own home. “The First Minister paid tribute to the very responsible approach that has been adopted by the industry during the lockdown, and this is a sentiment I wish to echo loudly. Home builders have stepped up to the plate supporting their customers, employees and local communities, and this will continue as we look forward to working closely with government and other stakeholders to rebuild Scotland’s economy.”
NAPIT has created a new publication which helps Landlords and Electrical Inspectors understand the new Legislation governing electrical safety checks within dwellings in England, which will be introduced from 1st June 2020, coming into force for new tenancies on the 1st July 2020. This new Legislation is a welcomed approach by the UK Government to increase the safety of private residential tenants. Complex and in-depth, it requires a fresh take on Electrical Inspections from Inspectors, and a new level of understanding from Landlords, to reduce the likelihood of failing to meet their obligations which can result in landlords receiving fines of up to £30,000. The guide will help understanding of the new Legislation and covers: •Legislation Requirements •Consequences of not complying •What is required for an electrical safety check? •Different Electrical forms, and where they are used •Coding of safety checks •Frequencies of Inspections •Competence requirements of Inspectors •Remedial works requirements •Record keeping •Assessing risk The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) have worked in cooperation with NAPIT on the production of the guide. Meera Chindooroy, NRLA deputy director for campaigns, public affairs & policy said: “The new electrical safety regulations coming into force in England in July will impact all landlords, and we were happy to work with NAPIT to ensure guidance to help them navigate the new rules is accurate and consistent.” Compliance with regulations is critically important is all aspects, but particularly when it comes to electrical safety. Electricians working in the UK must have a full and thorough understanding of the British Standards BS 7671:2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations, IET Wiring Regulations, known as the 18th edition for short. It is therefore important that electricians keep up to date through 18th edition courses. Mike Andrews, NAPIT Group Chief Executive, commented: “Our latest guidance book on the new Electrical Safety Regulations will go a long way to helping the electrical industry and Landlords understand and comply with their obligations to keep private residential tenants safe in their homes. As the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers, we are well placed to provide accurate and consistent guidance for the industry to follow. Electrical Safety is at the forefront of everything we do, and with the introduction of this new Legislation, we have made it easy for the industry to access the correct information and ensure electrical safety standards are met.” NAPIT members can pre-order their copy of the guide for £14.99; for non-members, it’s £16.99. Full RRP is £19.99.* FurtherInformation: Topre-order your copy visit www.napitdirect.co.uk/p/landlords-and-electrical-inspectors-guidance-for-the-private-rented-sector-electrical-safety-checks TheElectrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations2020: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2020/9780111191934
Having recently released their highly successful back to work guide, workplace consultants and office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors is advancing towards its next phase of company growth following the appointment of Mike McKeown as Client Services Director. Mike will join Rob Day, Chloe Sproston and Rachel Biddles on the management team to strengthen the Board of Directors as part of an ongoing strategic focus on winning more workplace consultancy projects. Although the appointment was agreed prior to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the quality of projects already in the pipeline meant that Blueprint Interiors had the confidence to invest in this additional expertise and influence at a time when companies will need expert advice to prepare their workplaces for the future. Commenting on Mike’s appointment, Blueprint Interiors Founder and CEO Rob Day said, “Even before the pandemic hit, we’d set out to prove that office design comprising rows and rows of desks was an outdated concept. We firmly believe that these environments are as toxic as those in which battery farmed chickens are kept. There is a growing realisation that people can work more effectively and are far happier, healthier and more productive when given the choice to work from home with options to visit agile office spaces when they need to meet people or innovate and share ideas. The pandemic has merely accelerated this change in attitude and our theory that ‘free range’ employees are a greater asset because they are healthier and more motivated has become much more widely accepted. Having Mike on board will strengthen our reputation and ensure we are well placed to advise companies who want to transform their workplace to be fit for the future.” As a former board director of Paragon Group between 1999 and 2017 Mike was responsible for sales growth and key account management during Paragon’s successful period of growth. More recently he has been working in London as a Project Director for a leading interior Design and Build business. Mike, who is married with two children has also worked in Dubai and Japan and recently re-located to Stanton by Dale in Derbyshire. In his new role he will oversee a sales and marketing programme that is intended to position Blueprint Interiors as thought leaders in office design. He will also help Blueprint Interiors capitalise on the increased demand from companies who want to create better environments for their employees as well as offering leadership and coaching to the existing sales team. Mike added, “Blueprint Interiors is on a journey of phased transition to becoming the region’s leading consultative led office interior design company. The aims and goals of the business are very aligned to my personal style and approach to transforming office spaces. I am really looking forward to identifying new clients who could benefit from this consultative approach to creating people centric workplaces. My aim is to ensure that both existing and new clients receive an exemplary level of service in all the interactions they have with our business.”