On the back of ongoing concerns in the sector regarding the Coronavirus, David Cox, ARLA Propertymark Chief Executive raises the concerns of Propertymark to the UK Government in hopes for guidelines. David Cox raised the question of whether the Government will issue guidance for the sector on how to deal
A-Plant will rebrand as Sunbelt Rentals from 1st May 2020. This change brings all A-Plant’s brands under one banner and aligns it with the other operating businesses of Ashtead Group plc, which trade under the Sunbelt Rentals brand in the United States and Canada. Andy Wright (pictured), CEO of A-Plant,
Many small business owners are unsure of what they need to know about asbestos. The material is widely known to be dangerous, but there are many misunderstandings about it, and what businesses are required to do about it. This is especially true of smaller businesses who may have only recently
Work is underway to fit-out industrial robotics specialist Sewtec Automation’s new multi-million pound 75,000 sq ft design and manufacturing facility in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. As part of the company’s ongoing growth and transformation strategy, Sewtec Automation has signed a 15-year lease on a building located at Silkwood Park near junction
Sustainability is a topical issue for every industry and as such, the rate of businesses that are taking part and investing in greener practices and processes is continuing to increase. This is also in line with the announcement from the UK Government of its landmark Green Finance Strategy, which set
Award-winning West Country house builder Devonshire Homes has appointed two new Joint Acting Managing Directors. Jane Pearce and Cris Neale, who have both held senior positions at the Tiverton-based house builder, have now taken the reins at the firm, which has been building homes across the South West since 1992.
Two real estate firms have acquired a 294-apartment residential rental complex in east London from Kennedy Wilson for approximately £100 million as part of their PRS joint venture programme. Realstar, a real estate investor and manager, and global real estate company QuadReal Property Group have added to their growing London
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
At the start of 2019 the employee-owned packaging company set a target to reduce their usage and their customers usage of plastic by 120 tonnes. Having recently completed an audit of the project the company has announced the final figures for 2019 are a massive reduction of 207 tonnes. The
UK Power Networks Services has become one of the first companies of its kind in the UK to achieve certification in recognition of its industry-leading Building Information Modelling (BIM) credentials. BIM is an internationally recognised standard practice for construction project management and collaboration. The process helps create a digital replica
On the back of ongoing concerns in the sector regarding the Coronavirus, David Cox, ARLA Propertymark Chief Executive raises the concerns of Propertymark to the UK Government in hopes for guidelines. David Cox raised the question of whether the Government will issue guidance for the sector on how to deal with the Coronavirus situation or whether it will at least step in should local authorities start prosecuting landlords when landlords are powerless to act. David used the following example to explain his point: “If a tenant were to have the virus or be in a period of self-isolation, what happens if something goes wrong in the property (for example the boiler stops working). The landlord/ agent /contractor will not go in to avoid contracting the disease and spreading the pandemic. “However, that means there is a tenant with no hot water or heating for two weeks (or longer if the Government extends the period of self-isolation). This puts the landlord / agent in breach of Section 11 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (duty to maintain property etc.), any selective/ additional /mandatory licensing conditions, Homes Act 2019, Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) under Housing Act 2004 and open them up to unlimited liability and/ or a Banning Order.” David also raised Propertymark’s concerns regarding the consequential impact the virus will have on agents and landlords when getting themselves ready for the electrical regulations which comes into force in July. He flagged that Government may want to consider relaxing the deadlines to give both the industry and supply chain longer to become compliant. Propertymark hopes to receive a response on the issues raised soon and will keep the sector informed on any further progress.
A-Plant will rebrand as Sunbelt Rentals from 1st May 2020. This change brings all A-Plant’s brands under one banner and aligns it with the other operating businesses of Ashtead Group plc, which trade under the Sunbelt Rentals brand in the United States and Canada. Andy Wright (pictured), CEO of A-Plant, said: “Our rebranding to Sunbelt Rentals is the culmination of work to unify our UK brands under one powerful banner.” A-Plant’s businesses include Hewden Industrial, Live Trakway, A-Plant Lux, Rapid Climate Control, Mather+Stuart Power Solutions, Leada Acrow, A-Plant Rail, Tool Hire Express, A-Plant Powered Access, PSS Hire, Inlec, Evercal, Hoist It, Opti-cal Survey Equipment, FLG Services, Astra Attachment Solutions, GB Access, A-Plant Accommodation and Plantfinder. These businesses will all be branded as Sunbelt Rentals, and the company says each will have an identifiable sub-brand that recognises the services they provide.
Many small business owners are unsure of what they need to know about asbestos. The material is widely known to be dangerous, but there are many misunderstandings about it, and what businesses are required to do about it. This is especially true of smaller businesses who may have only recently opened a business premises. Businesses are governed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 which hold a number of strict rules regarding what is to be done in order to control the substance and minimise the risk of exposure. It is absolutely vital that companies adhere to these rules, not only because asbestos can be extremely dangerous, but also because your company can be heavily fined if you do not follow the rules. In this article we take a look at the facts about asbestos and how this relates to small businesses. Asbestos use is illegal (but you can still find it) Asbestos was officially and completely banned in the UK in 1999, making it illegal to use the substance in any kind of work on residential or commercial buildings. However, this has led to a misconception that this means that asbestos no longer exists in properties in the UK. It is important to note that the ban was on the use of asbestos – there was no requirement to remove or destroy any current asbestos. This means that it is still present in many buildings that were built before 2000. So unless you operate from a property that was built after 2000, there is a chance that it could contain asbestos. The risks of asbestos exposure Asbestos has a reputation for being very dangerous, and this is well-founded. According to asbestos specialists Crucial Environmental “when materials containing asbestos become disturbed or damaged, they release microscopic fibres into the air. Once these fibres have become airborne, people working around the area can then inhale the particles into their lungs”. When these fibres get into the lungs, they are extremely difficult to remove, and while the damage doesn’t result in immediate danger, the damage is done over a long period. Ultimately, symptoms may not present for in excess of 20 years after exposure – but asbestos exposure is considered the direct cause of a number of conditions including various cancers and conditions affecting the lining of the lungs. It is necessary, then, for you to take asbestos very seriously. If you own a property… If you are the landlord of a business property then you have a duty of care to ensure that the risk of asbestos exposure is minimised to you, your employees, and any members of the general public. Ultimately this means establishing whether any asbestos is present at your property – usually through an asbestos survey – and having a plan in order to minimise the risks. If you have recently bought a property you should have details of any known asbestos provided to you by the seller. However, it should be noted that asbestos is not always known about. If you are leasing… If your business is leasing a property then it is important that you should check with the landlord over who is responsible for managing asbestos at the property. Once again, any asbestos found should be detailed to you by the landlord. However, you may be required to correctly maintain and supervise the asbestos under the conditions of the lease. You need an action plan If you are responsible for the asbestos in your property, then you need to have an action plan in place. This plan should detail any known asbestos on the property, provide insight into the condition of the asbestos, and also have a plan to ensure that the asbestos is not disturbed or to ensure that it does not deteriorate. In the majority of cases, asbestos in good condition is not a threat to health. It is only when the fibres are disturbed that it becomes dangerous. You can’t do it all yourself It is important to note that no matter what you need to do about your asbestos, you will need expert advice and guidance. Asbestos specialists can provide you with information not only about the asbestos and its condition, but also in establishing a plan that puts in the necessary precautions to keep every in your business premises safe.
Work is underway to fit-out industrial robotics specialist Sewtec Automation’s new multi-million pound 75,000 sq ft design and manufacturing facility in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. As part of the company’s ongoing growth and transformation strategy, Sewtec Automation has signed a 15-year lease on a building located at Silkwood Park near junction 40 of the M1. The new location is more than double the size of its current premises in Dewsbury and Wakefield combined. Sewtec Automation designs, manufactures, installs and commissions complex industrial automation systems for global blue-chip clients in the pharmaceutical, personal care, pet care, food and beverage and tobacco industries. More than 85 per cent of the company’s sales are exports. Sewtec Automation’s clients include Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Imperial Tobacco, Tata Global Beverages and Hershey. Last year, Sewtec Automation announced its turnover had more than doubled to a record £28m with EBITDA of £9m, in the year to 30 June 2019. The company is now aiming to deliver a turnover of £50m by 2023. Investment in the new facility is supported by the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Business Growth Programme with a £250,000 grant for Sewtec Automation to invest in its new headquarters and to implement its recruitment strategy. The company estimates the new site will create an additional 70 high-skilled jobs. Derbyshire-based Key Property Solutions is the main contractor on the fit-out after being appointed following a competitive tendering process. The new facility will include modern R&D and office spaces, with breakout areas to further enhance innovation and problem-solving. It will also provide a significant increase in the sizes of the assembly area, machine shop, quality control, fabrication bays and stores. Works are expected to last ten weeks with all Sewtec Automation’s 130 employees from its existing Dewsbury and Wakefield sites undergoing a phased relocation to the facility from March onwards. Commenting on this latest news, Sewtec Automation managing director, Mark Cook, said: “Demand for our inventive and highly effective approach to automation continues to grow worldwide. “With work now underway at our new facility, the next stage of Sewtec Automation’s transformation is almost upon us and we are all motivated and excited by the new opportunities our new facility will deliver. “Our investment, combined with the support of the LEP and Wakefield Council, means we will be in the optimum position for further expansion and job creation as soon as we move in.” Sewtec Automation’s rapid growth follows a successful management buyout in August 2017, which was backed by Leeds-headquartered private equity firm Endless. Roger Marsh OBE DL, chair of LEP and NP11, said:“Investment is a key factor in helping our businesses to grow, improve productivity andultimately create new jobs. “Last year, through our Business Growth Programme, we invested £5.9 million to support 128 businesses in the region and contributed to the creation of 704 jobs. “I’d encourage all businesses to get in touch with the LEP Growth Service and access the support available for growing businesses” Darren Byford, cabinet member for economic growth and regeneration at Wakefield Council, said: “We are very pleased that Sewtec Automation has chosen to expand their operations in Wakefield. It’s great news, bringing quality new jobs and opportunities in a growing sector. “With strong transport links and a great business community, Wakefield provides an excellent location for investment. As part of our economic strategy we are very keen to support businesses to help them to grow and expand, offering a range of support and advice to both established and new businesses within our district.” Fox Lloyd Jones (FLJ), which advised on the building’s acquisition, is project managing the fit-out supported by architects Enjoy Design and Triangle Consulting Engineers. FLJ and Enjoy Design are both located in Leeds, whilst Triangle Consulting Engineers are based in Tadcaster. For further information visit www.sewtec.co.uk
Sustainability is a topical issue for every industry and as such, the rate of businesses that are taking part and investing in greener practices and processes is continuing to increase. This is also in line with the announcement from the UK Government of its landmark Green Finance Strategy, which set out plans to drastically increase sustainable investment, and for the UK to reach net zero emissions by 2050. There’s a clear argument to improve sustainability efforts across industries, with research showing that reducing emissions by 42% can result in a growth in the economy of 72%. So it comes as no surprise that the construction and building industry is changing significantly as well; many buildings are now designed to be as eco-friendly as possible, with a portion aiming to produce renewable energy on site through solar panels for instance. But with innovative green construction methods on the rise, how can employers ensure that with these new adaptations, workers and importantly lone workers are safe during the construction and development of such sites? Increased risk Materials and methods involved in greener construction and development are brand new to many workers and certainly not as familiar as traditional techniques, which can create safety risks. Research already shows that lone workers, those working at height, and also those in more typical working conditions face increased danger from green construction projects. It was found that they involved an increased exposure to ‘working at height; with electrical current; near unstable soils; and near heavy equipment for a greater period of time’ than traditional, less sustainable projects. Workers faced with these environments are then also expected to tackle new techniques for construction and handle new, unfamiliar materials as well – potentially a dangerous combination. On top of this, the tasks are typically more high risk as well, such as: constructing atria, installing vegetated roofs, installing domestic or commercial wind turbines, and installing solar panels. Findings also detailed that there had been a significant rise in injuries, including lacerations and sprains, from working with recycled construction materials, and a sharp increase in eye strain from working with reflective roof membranes, with links to the 24% increase in falls from height. Also revealed, was a rise in exposure to harmful substances as a direct result of workers installing greener, more innovative wastewater technologies. It’s clear there are unique challenges for employers to overcome to be able to provide improved safety for workers on these sustainable construction projects, particularly as techniques become more commonplace. With this form of development intended to improve and protect the health of its future occupants, it’s imperative that the health and safety of construction workers isn’t sacrificed along the way. Ensuring safety To meet health and safety requirements, employers need to ensure they’re analysing every aspect of the scenario and implementing the best and most suited safety technology to protect all workers, from those working alone to those working at height. Lone worker devices are a vital resource for those that work in isolation as they operate without supervision or direct contact with colleagues and so the risks are significantly increased. Without team members nearby the speed at which assistance can be provided in the event of an injury, illness or other emergency incident is reduced. Users must rely on these devices, such as robust smartphones with built-in alarms or tilt sensors, and expect them to have a constant connection and work faultlessly; so that if an emergency occurs, they can trust in the technology to raise an alarm and it will be dealt with effectively. To ensure this is a reality, employers need to carefully consult with specialists to ensure the right technology is selected to suit every situation. There are multiple factors to think about as well, not just the device itself, and the first point to consider is the workplace employees are operating in, to assess which features and format would be most suited. For example, employees on construction sites require hard wearing devices that can withstand being dropped and can be operated by someone wearing heavy duty or wet gloves. There are multiple options available on the market and by working with specialists, businesses can ensure that every working environment has a bespoke setup that is specific to the needs of the employees and the business as a whole, to counteract the increased risks from these greener construction situations. Functionality vs cost In addition to the environment, another factor for consideration is employee communication. Lone worker devices can now be multi-functional and address additional communication challenges, as well as worker safety. So instead of carrying a number of devices that serve different purposes, functions such as comms, lone worker and messaging can all be integrated into the same device. Alternatively, if a business has already installed a communications system, but without a lone worker function, the existing solutions can potentially be enhanced to provide lone worker safety functionality. For some organisations this can be a cost-effective solution to the issue of lone worker safety, which in an economically-strained time is beneficial. However, procurers shouldn’t be swayed by the cheapest options available, as ultimately worker safety relies on these decisions and they need to be able to instil confidence in the workforce it is supposed to help protect. Cheaper overseas devices don’t adhere to the same standards and businesses can’t trust that these have been fully tested and certified. Clearly businesses need to make these changes now to streamline employee safety in line with the shifting landscape and innovative procedures, but they need to make the right decisions that suit these environments. By working with a supplier that is an expert in the market, they can help to evaluate a business’ requirements in detail and recommend a suitable solution that fits their specific needs within a greener construction environment, while focusing on integrating systems where possible to save on costs; rather than adopting a ‘one device fits all’ approach that doesn’t suit the increasingly sustainable future. Klaus Allion, Managing Director,
Award-winning West Country house builder Devonshire Homes has appointed two new Joint Acting Managing Directors. Jane Pearce and Cris Neale, who have both held senior positions at the Tiverton-based house builder, have now taken the reins at the firm, which has been building homes across the South West since 1992. With over 25 years’ experience in property development, Jane joined Devonshire Homes in 2009 as Head of Sales and Marketing, becoming a Director in 2015. As the Sales and Marketing Director, Jane led the Sales team to ensure that sales targets were met and oversaw the operations of the Marketing Suites located across the region. Jane was instrumental in leading the re-branding and marketing campaigns for Devonshire Homes, establishing the house builder’s position in the region as a high-quality, trustworthy developer. Cris also has over 25 years of housing development experience. After previously being Senior Surveyor at Devonshire Homes from 2004 to 2010, Cris re-joined the company in 2013 as Development Manager and was made a Director in 2015. As the Commercial and Technical Director, Cris was, and remains, responsible for the procurement, quantity surveying and technical aspects of the business which was key to the successful delivery of their recent outstanding developments. Jane and Cris will lead on identifying land opportunities and be responsible for overseeing operations from land purchase through to customer service. Cris commented: “Jane and I have been appointed Joint Acting Managing Directors at a time when the business is focused on growth with a strong desire to become one of the larger players in the region. We are both dedicated to facilitating Devonshire Homes’ growth ambitions to deliver over 250 homes per annum by 2022.” Jane added: “Devonshire Homes has two new sites launching in 2020. We will be releasing homes for sale at Longston Cross, Bovey Tracey, at the beginning of March, and we have recently been granted planning permission for our new Kingsbridge site, Applegate Park. These sites are poised to deliver much needed new homes in South Devon and we’re particularly looking forward to working with the team to make effective starts on these sites and deliver high quality homes and developments.” Independent house builder, Devonshire Homes, has been creating new homes and communities in towns and rural areas across Devon since 1992. The house builder specialises in providing homes which reflect the traditional characteristics and building styles of the region combined with high specification, contemporary interiors. Current developments include: Ladywell Meadows, Chulmleigh; Tarka View, Crediton; Longston Cross, Bovey Tracey and Gwallon Keas, St. Austell. For more information, visit www.devonshirehomes.co.uk.
Two real estate firms have acquired a 294-apartment residential rental complex in east London from Kennedy Wilson for approximately £100 million as part of their PRS joint venture programme. Realstar, a real estate investor and manager, and global real estate company QuadReal Property Group have added to their growing London portfolio by buying up the asset in the east of the city. The deal represents Realstar’s fourteenth PRS investment in the UK and marks the fourth asset in the £1 billion London rental joint venture between the Canadian-headquartered firm and QuadReal. Described as a ‘landmark development within Ilford town centre’, Pioneer Point includes 294 residential units within two towers. There is 35,000 sq ft of fully leased commercial space and 10,000 sq ft of extensive resident amenities. In common with other Build to Rent projects, the development offers residents a dedicated on-site concierge and property management suite, as well as resident lounges, meeting spaces and work pods. Residents can also benefit from a quiet lounge, entertainment spaces with open-plan kitchen and dining rooms, a kids’ zone, games room and cinema. Pioneer Point is just a stone’s throw from Ilford Station, which offers fast connections into London. These will be further enhanced once Crossrail (the Elizabeth Line) becomes fully operational at some point next year. Ilford is a key transport hub on its eastern section, linking Essex with East and Central London.
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.
At the start of 2019 the employee-owned packaging company set a target to reduce their usage and their customers usage of plastic by 120 tonnes. Having recently completed an audit of the project the company has announced the final figures for 2019 are a massive reduction of 207 tonnes. The success of the campaign comes after a successful year of new product launches, with a key focus on not only offering products that use less plastic but also ranges that are alternatives to plastic or products that can be reused. In support of new product initiatives Kite also continued to offer free audits, through their specialist support divisions, for any business seeking to explore environmentally friendly packaging solutions. With a strong start to 2019, seeing the launch of their dynamic gummed paper tape dispending machine, their range expansion of paper tapes, the launch of their paper padded envelopes and the development of their sugar cane bio film, to name a few, Kite demonstrated a firm commitment to plastic reduction and elimination. Kites new product drive has continued into 2020 and they have recently increased their paper bag offering to now include twist handle paper carrier bags, tape handle paper carrier bags, brown paper bags, strung paper counter bags and paper mailing bags. For more information on Kite Packaging’s products and services visit kitepackaging.co.uk.
UK Power Networks Services has become one of the first companies of its kind in the UK to achieve certification in recognition of its industry-leading Building Information Modelling (BIM) credentials. BIM is an internationally recognised standard practice for construction project management and collaboration. The process helps create a digital replica of the physical asset that is being constructed and is quickly becoming a standard requirement for national infrastructure and high-speed rail projects. The energy solutions company achieved BIM Certification for Design, Construction and Commissioning accreditations which will ensure project data is handled accurately by using intelligent standards, procedures and processes throughout the whole life cycle of the work. BIM is another step towards the digitalisation of the construction industry by generating a virtual construction environment. Information on BIM driven projects is always circulated from one source, which provides consistency on project design. The approach delivers environmental benefits, through highly accurate laser scanned surveys, helping the company to cut on-site waste and reduce CO2 emissions. UK Power Networks Services has already incorporated BIM Level 2 into its requirements when enlisting new suppliers to promote the highest standards of best practice. Head of Client Delivery, David Mitchell, said: “We are proud to be one of the first companies of our kind in the UK to achieve BIM Level 2 certification. Creating a virtual construction environment is the future of construction management which is resulting in faster and more efficient and collaborative processes so we are happy to be one of the very early adopters of it. “Working to BIM Level 2 further bolsters our reputation for providing safe and accurate delivery of airport and rail infrastructure projects that are resilient and sustainable.” The accreditations achieved by UK Power Networks Services, BS EN ISO 19650-1:2018, BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018 (incorporating UK National Annex) and BS 1192-4:2014, were awarded by the BSI, the national standards body for the UK.