Leading energy and regeneration specialist ENGIE has been appointed to provide a £67million repairs and maintenance service on behalf of Tamworth Borough Council. As part of the council’s ongoing commitment to provide high standards of affordable housing for local residents, the contract – which begins on 1st April 2020 –
Working from home has some serious perks, especially if you hate traffic. In the beginning, most people think that working from home is relaxing. After all, being able to start work while you are still in your PJs is something that you couldn’t do before you decided to switch to
There are times when a same day loan is the only solution to face a problem. Same day loans are a viable option in certain circumstances. Online lenders, banks, and even credit unions offer same day loans. Other same-day solutions also exist but it’s not worth to apply for one
The development ready site which was fully remediated by St Francis Group sister company DSM Demolition has planning permission for up to 474,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace and up to 320 new residential dwellings. St Francis Group, a leading UK-based property development and investment group and an expert in
GMI Construction Group has today announced that it has secured projects valued at in excess of £95 million across the North West, Yorkshire and the Midlands. The projects awarded to GMI by a combination of new and existing clients come from across a range of high profile industrial/warehouse, retail, office
Workplace safety and health challenges from outsourcing across a range of sectors and industries have been revealed as part of a new study by Cranfield University. The new study published today and funded by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) saw researchers from Cranfield University explore how outsourcing
With email fraud on the rise, Michael Gerard of Michael Gerard Solicitors (www.mg-law.co.uk) explains the issues around legal liability and email fraud. It’s fair to say that construction companies have not been at the forefront of the conversion to paperless processes. However, as a sector that often has a long
Leading independent construction, property and management consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall UK (RLB UK) is providing its support to international charity WaterAid, by providing its cost consultancy services pro bono for its relocated UK office in Canary Wharf. WaterAid’s mission is to transform the lives of the poorest and most marginalised people
Decorating smaller spaces can often be a challenge, especially when working with a room such as the bathroom, which requires key features to suit meet needs. There are many things to consider when decorating any space, but when it comes to a smaller area you need to think about things
The Today Company is a new online home improvement website offering designer lifestyle products at budget prices for the trade and homeowners directly. The todayco.uk provides guaranteed quality bi-folding doors, slim frame sliding doors, roof lanterns, pergolas, verandas, awnings and roof lights which can be fully personalised with a choice
Leading energy and regeneration specialist ENGIE has been appointed to provide a £67million repairs and maintenance service on behalf of Tamworth Borough Council. As part of the council’s ongoing commitment to provide high standards of affordable housing for local residents, the contract – which begins on 1st April 2020 – will see ENGIE provide responsive repairs, adaptations and estate management services to more than 4,200 homes across the borough over a ten-year period. In addition, ENGIE will also provide gas maintenance work, day-to-day and out of hours emergency repairs and the servicing of void properties. Martin Smithurst, Divisional Chief Operating Officer at ENGIE, said: “We are extremely pleased to be working once again with Tamworth Council – a partner that so closely shares our core values. “ENGIE has a proven track record of providing an excellent repairs and maintenance service, as well as helping our partners across the UK address their housing, social value and climate emergency-related priorities, and we’re looking forward to demonstrating that in Tamworth.“ Cllr Michelle Cook, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing Services and Communities, said: “ENGIE was selected after a robust, two-stage procurement process which included external legal and consultative support, interviews involving tenants and detailed assessments of all elements of the bids submitted. “All submissions were of a high standard and the winning contractors demonstrated an understanding of our needs and instilled confidence in their ability to deliver the service.” As part of the contract, ENGIE has commited to a number of social value measures which will benefit the wider community. These include training opportunities and the creation of apprenticeships for local people, as well as improvements to council-owned facilities such as play areas and community buildings.
Working from home has some serious perks, especially if you hate traffic. In the beginning, most people think that working from home is relaxing. After all, being able to start work while you are still in your PJs is something that you couldn’t do before you decided to switch to a remote position. Over time, all of those perks can start to fade out when you realize that it is almost impossible to shut off thoughts of work when you don’t have an actual schedule. It is possible to finally feel relaxed at home again when you make an effort to separate work from family life. Synch Your Work Schedule With Your Family’s You might be tempted to stay up late at night to churn out as much work as possible before the weekend hits. Or, you might make weekends your prime working time. This may seem to make sense if you partner is available to help watch the kids during those hours, but it can quickly lead to burn out. Try finding time to work when everyone else is busy at their job or school so that you can also have the same hours to enjoy family time as everyone else. Know When to Stop Without a time clock in the office, you might have trouble knowing when to shut down for the day. Create a mandatory stopping point, and set an alarm so that you are reminded to stick to it. While you are at it, make sure to set a regular break time for lunch. You’ll feel much better when you create a routine that nourishes your body. Make Your Bedroom a No-Work Zone Promise yourself right now that you will not let work interfere with your bedroom being a relaxing oasis. When you sink down onto your mattress at the end of the day, you’ll appreciate the fact that it does not make you think about work. Make sure you find a mattress that caters to your specific sleep needs, so you get the best night’s rest possible. This way you’re ready to get started first thing in the morning. If necessary, set up a workstation in the living room or a home office that forces you to manage your duties far away from where you sleep. Many people who work from home for an extended period of time end up building a small office that is an exterior building in the back yard so they disconnect from house duties during their work hours. Establish a Screen-Free Evening Hour The hour or two before bedtime should be filled with relaxing activities that help you unwind and reconnect with your family. Plan a family game night a few times a week, or consider doing a fun hobby that helps you zone out. Shutting off the electronics reminds you that work time is over for the day. Eliminate Reminders of Work You might still feel tempted to go handle emails if you see your laptop sitting open. Find a way to screen off your workspace so that you don’t have to look at the stack of things that need to be done. Ideally, you should have a home office area where you can shut the door. If not, then consider using a pretty dressing screen or curtain to hide the area from view. Your career helps to support you and your family, but things can quickly get out of control if you don’t make relaxation a priority. Taking time out to catch a breath and do enjoyable things with your family makes those long working hours feel worth it.
There are times when a same day loan is the only solution to face a problem. Same day loans are a viable option in certain circumstances. Online lenders, banks, and even credit unions offer same day loans. Other same-day solutions also exist but it’s not worth to apply for one because they don’t have the same benefits. Before applying for a financing solution, you need to check its terms and conditions because many generate predatory costs and come with great risks. And don’t even consider the option of taking your engagement ring to a pawn shop because it’s an expensive solution and you’ll disappoint your partner for not valuing their gift. Some online lenders offer same-day approval and funding, but most of them need 2 working days to check your financial history and decide if you’re eligible for a loan. So, when you need money fast look for exceptions, for places that not only advertise same-day services, but also stay true to their words. The Internet is the best place to find an online lender that provides same-day cash. Your search engine suggests a list of lenders and offers reviews and rates for each of them to help you find a reliable one. Where can you get a same day loan? Personal loan providers – working with personal loan providers is the best solution because they usually have reasonable APRs and don’t ask collateral to secure financing. To get same-day cash apply with an online organisation because they have the best same day loans. Internet-based entities created their services to help people overcome their daily struggles and function similarly to other online providers that offer same-day services. Only that this time you don’t pay to get a pair of shoes the same day, you get money in your account by the end of the day. Some offline personal loan providers also offer quick financing solutions (around 2 working days approval and funding), but when you need money fast to solve an emergency, online lenders are the best pick. Pawn shops – pawn shops are a traditional solution for people who don’t have access to the Internet and need money fast. A pawn shop temporarily purchases one of your valuable items for part of their value (from 20% to 60%). You leave the store with cash after you give them your belongings, but the repaid sum includes interest that can vary from 2% to more. If you don’t reclaim the item in a determined period, the pawn sells it to get their money back. Auto title lenders – they offer same day cash if you use your car documents to grant it as collateral. Most of them offer from 35% to 50% of the vehicle’s value for no more than a month. But if you fail to pay the money back, they take your car. However, some auto title lenders allow you to roll over a loan into a new month if you pay additional fees. Don’t forget that this solution is more expensive than a personal loan because it can cost you up to 25% of the sum you borrow.
The development ready site which was fully remediated by St Francis Group sister company DSM Demolition has planning permission for up to 474,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace and up to 320 new residential dwellings. St Francis Group, a leading UK-based property development and investment group and an expert in brownfield development and regeneration has today announced that it has completed the sale of a development ready residential site in the village of Brantham, Suffolk to Taylor Wimpey UK Limited. The site which adjoins an historical commercial site and was used since the late 1800’s, as a plastics manufacturing base for British Xylonite and more recently by Wardle Storeys. Those uses ceased in 1999. St Francis Group promoted the site through the Local Plan as part of the Councils Regeneration aims following the loss of the existing occupiers in the downturn with the support of Babergh Mid Suffolk District Council and later secured planning permission for new commercial uses totalling approximately 474,000 sq ft and up to 320 residential dwellings . As part of the Regeneration project, St Francis Group through its sister company DSM Demolition has already completed the decontamination and remediation of the existing commercial land, installed new commercial and residential highway infrastructure and introduced a new sustainable drainage solution. In addition, the local community will benefit from the provision of circa 29 acres of public open space and new Sports and Community land. Speaking about the sale, St Francis Group CEO Rob Braid said: “The work we have undertaken on this development serves to not only reinforce our strong credentials in brownfield site regeneration and restoration but to also highlight that in addition to commercial development we are very active in the residential land market and actively bringing sites forward. We are uniquely positioned through our specialist in-house team and sister business to secure planning permissions for schemes throughout the UK and across various disciplines but most notably residential, employment and mixed use.” Taylor Wimpey have secured reserved matters consent for 288 high quality new homes and plan to start on site in February this year.
GMI Construction Group has today announced that it has secured projects valued at in excess of £95 million across the North West, Yorkshire and the Midlands. The projects awarded to GMI by a combination of new and existing clients come from across a range of high profile industrial/warehouse, retail, office and hotel scheme developments which include: Plot A, Goole 36. A new 238,710 sq. ft. warehouse/industrial unit for new customer Tritax Symmetry pre-let to Croda Europe Ltd. Kirkby Retail Development. A new 94,000 sq. ft. retail park development featuring a new 42,000 sq. ft Morrisons Store and Petrol Station for long standing customer St Modwen. Booths Park, Knutsford. A new two storey 70,676 sq. ft. office building development for repeat customer Bruntwood in Cheshire with the end occupier being Portswigger Web Security. Hampton by Hilton York. A new 143-bedroom hotel in the heart of York City Centre awarded by Avantis Hotels and with a value of £25 million. Harrier Park, Hucknall. A new 195,840 sq. ft. UK headquarters for leading educational resource supplier RM Educational Resources on behalf of Muse Developments and Rolls-Royce within the heart of a 70-acre mixed use site in Hucknall. Park Lane, Leeds. A 188-bed student accommodation scheme on Park Lane, Leeds for Waypoint with a project value of £20 million Speaking about the announcement, Andy Bruce, GMI’s Group Managing Director said: “2019 was a record-breaking year for GMI in all aspects but particularly in terms of new client wins, expansion into new sectors and the growth of our order book. To open things up in the same fashion so early into 2020 is a very encouraging sign, a solid endorsement of our credentials and a strong indication of further growth to come this year. It’s also very encouraging to see GMI securing such high-quality repeat business from several of its most valued and long-standing customers together with picking up new project instructions from new customers including some of the market’s biggest operators. We will continue to strengthen our offering in the sectors we are strongest in together with our unswerving commitment to the highest levels of customer service, quality and innovation. Our expanding divisional operations in the Midlands, North West, Yorkshire and the North East continue to reap strong rewards and fully justify our commitments to grow our capacity in those areas in the face of strong demand” Andy Bruce is GMI’s Group Managing Director responsible for the day to day running of the business and expansion into the Midlands. GMI’s Manchester Office is presided over by Marc Banks in the role of Divisional Managing Director. Marc has worked on many of GMI’s prestigious projects, developing relationships with a number of clients and securing repeat business. GMI’s Yorkshire/North East Office is led by Lee Powell also as Divisional Managing Director. Lee brings 25 years’ service in the construction industry, with a wealth of experience across all industry sectors and a background based in a regional contracting
Workplace safety and health challenges from outsourcing across a range of sectors and industries have been revealed as part of a new study by Cranfield University. The new study published today and funded by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) saw researchers from Cranfield University explore how outsourcing practices vary when working with different types of contractors. The study focused on the relationship between client firms and the main sub-contractor. Challenges for maintaining occupational safety and health standards when outsourcing included tensions between organisations and varying regulations across countries. The research also found limited reviewing of safety performance during and after contracts were signed in outsourced relationships – which acted as a barrier to improvements in safety performance. Dr Colin Pilbeam, Reader in Safety Leadership at Cranfield University, said: “Outsourcing is a significant and increasingly common organizational change initiative of the modern era, occurring not only in private companies but also in public sector organisations across the globe. However, outsourcing can also introduce safety risks into an organisation. “This research, funded by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, highlights some of the safety challenges involved in outsourcing relationships and shows many industries manage safety through a common set of practices. While this can establish an acceptable level of safety performance, there can be issues around execution in organisations. More needs to be done to understand how safety can be managed in outsourced relationships between organisations.” As part of the study the research team developed a framework to distinguish between tasks that were core to a firm’s strategic goals and the difficulty of a task, accommodating both firm-to-firm and firm-to-individual relationships. They then conducted a systematic literature review to identify safety risk factors and safety management practices found in 44 empirical studies of outsourcing relationships. The study engaged with three global companies across the engineering, logistics and pharmaceuticals sectors. These companies outsourced a variety of activities including construction and facilities management to other global companies, just like a Chinese employer of record. Through a series of 60 semi-structured interviews with employees in both organizations in each outsourcing relationship, the study investigated safety risks and the management of safety in these relationships. Challenges associated with the management of safety in outsourced relationships included: Operating across national borders where the legal and regulatory frameworks for safety found locally differ from those which govern the policies and procedures developed by the headquarters and prescribe wider company practices. Outsourcing to another company where expectations of monitoring safety performance, e.g. for near misses and safety-related incidents, differ. Tensions at board level can adversely affect otherwise amicable and effective relationships locally. Conversely, agreeable relationships at board level. cannot mitigate antagonistic relationships locally. Hard fought negotiations over the contract can adversely affect resource availability and subsequent safety performance A safety dip at the beginning of an outsourcing relationship can be mitigated by transferring staff from the old to the new provider. But this limits innovation and improvements in safety performance. Mary Ogungbeje, Research Manager at IOSH, said: “Employers can’t abdicate their health and safety responsibilities just by having a contractor in place to do the job. “History has shown us that health and safety disasters happen when contractor arrangements are not managed properly. So, whilst each context may be different, this study usefully reveals some common set of practices in outsourcing relationships, that can help employers to minimise the safety risks. The specific case studies also highlight some learning opportunities for businesses to consider.” The research report, “Managing safety following organisational change through outsourcing: Dysfunctional processes and fractured relationships” is available on request by emailing alex.phillimore@iosh.com.
With email fraud on the rise, Michael Gerard of Michael Gerard Solicitors (www.mg-law.co.uk) explains the issues around legal liability and email fraud. It’s fair to say that construction companies have not been at the forefront of the conversion to paperless processes. However, as a sector that often has a long supply chain and makes frequent use of sub-contractors, the financial and administrative transactions around a building project can be numerous and complex. This is one of the reasons why construction companies can sometimes be targeted by online scammers. Unfortunately, when phishing schemes and email hacking are successful, not only can it be disastrous for the defrauded businesses, it can also be difficult to determine liability. Paper protection In a time gone-by, when invoices were issued by post and payment made by cheque, companies were afforded some protection by the cheque rule which allowed a payee to bring an action against the payer if a cheque had been stopped. This was due to the fact that issuing a cheque created a binding contract for both parties, separate to the contract for the supply of goods and/or services. Nor was there a legal defence for stopping a cheque unless it was stolen or fraud was involved. Essentially, once the cheque was signed and sent, the payer was obliged to settle the bill. However, with electronic funds transfers (EFT’s) now the most common form of payment, the question of cyber security is one that all companies involved in the building trade need to address. Unfortunately, most of us have seen examples of how online systems can be breached. So, if an email system is hacked resulting in fraudulent transactions, who is legally liable? The answer might surprise you. The real-life results of email hacking Essentially, to avoid a claim where funds are diverted or not received due to email fraud, the payer would need to establish either a breach of contract or negligence. This is best illustrated by a real-life case. The main contractor on a building project lasting several months had engaged a specialist contractor who was involved most of the way through. It was agreed in the contract that they would receive regular payments throughout the project’s duration. As is now standard practice, all document exchanges and financial transactions were carried out electronically. So, when the specialist contractor’s email account was hacked, they became vulnerable. The hackers then installed software capable of reading all incoming and outgoing emails, flagging up key commercial words. The specialist contractor was unaware that their email system had been compromised and the situation was further compromised by the fact that part way through the contract they informed the main contractor of an intention to change bank accounts. At this point, the hackers sprang into action. Having intercepted an application for payment, the hackers advised the main contractor’s accounts department that a new bank account had been set up and requested that all future payments be paid into it. The accounts department duly complied, paying a five-figure sum into the hacker’s account. The email hack was only discovered when the specialist contractor started to chase payment. By this time, it was too late as the fraudster’s account had been cleared of almost all of the money. In terms of liability, the main contractor had complied with what appeared to be a legitimate request for payment into what they believed to be the supplier’s bank account. However, despite the fact that it was the specialist contractor’s email account that had been hacked, the payer was still liable. This is because the specialist contractor had a strict contractual claim for the monies owed and to avoid that claim, the main contractor needed to establish either (a) a breach of contract; or (b) negligence to set-off the contractual claim. Furthermore, there was no evidence that the specialist contractor was aware of the fraud which could have shifted liability. Similarly, if the fraud had been carried out by an employee of the payee, they would be vicariously liable, but this was not the case. Finally, neither the contract nor common law imposed a duty of care on the specialist contractor to maintain a cyber-security system capable of preventing such a payment fraud. As a result, the main contractor was legally obliged to pay the amount originally owed – for the second time. 4 steps to guard against the impact of email hacking Such cases underline the importance of companies putting measures in place to protect themselves against email fraud and security breaches. Here are four simple steps that companies can take: As spam is the most likely cause of malware entering an IT system, businesses need to have a robust software security system in place, including a firewall to monitor network traffic and connection attempts in and out of a network or computer. When setting up payment on an EFT, test the details sent by a supplier by transferring a small and unusual amount into the account, then ask the supplier to confirm receipt by telephone. Follow the same procedure if an existing supplier changes their bank details. If someone in your organisation can read message headers and IP addresses, they can cross-check a particular IP address with a previous IP address to authenticate communications. Include contract clauses around minimum security standards on a supplier’s server, including protection against malware and viruses and a firewall, regularly updated software and a stipulation that changes to company bank account details be confirmed in writing by post or hand delivered and signed. Breaches in cyber security are rising as hackers are constantly finding ways to get through security measures. So, if a company isn’t adequately protected, they could find themselves the next target. Having cyber liability insurance is a good move but won’t protect an organisation from all types of losses, so prevention really is the best option, and some of that prevention includes doing things the old-fashioned way – like using the telephone and post! Author background Michael
Leading independent construction, property and management consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall UK (RLB UK) is providing its support to international charity WaterAid, by providing its cost consultancy services pro bono for its relocated UK office in Canary Wharf. WaterAid’s mission is to transform the lives of the poorest and most marginalised people by improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. RLB is proud to have been involved in a project that will bring WaterAid a future direct cost saving and consequently allow more resource to be dedicated to delivering its vision for the future. WaterAid’s office move from Vauxhall to Canary Wharf will not only enable them to achieve value for money over the duration of their tenancy, but will also help them create a globally-connected, inspiring environment where staff, volunteers and partners can work together to achieve their ambitious and exciting mission. The charity sought an office space in a location that would retain existing staff and be accessible to partners and key stakeholders whilst balancing the need of affordability. They are designing the space to meet five key design principles around employee wellbeing, sustainability, flexibility, digital technology and global connection. During the design process, RLB has been offering cost consultancy services and strategic advice with regards to creating this new hub. RLB’s London fit-out team looks to work with a number of not-for-profit partners as part of its corporate and social responsibility strategy and is currently involved in delivering approximately 3.4 million sq ft in the capital city and in line with the firm’s social value ethos. Andy Fettes-Brown, Head of Cost Consultancy for London, RLB UK comments: “As part of our international, national and regional strategy, we believe that it is important to give back our experience, skill set and experience within the industry we service. Partnering with WaterAid to support them in their new London office was a project where we felt we could offer this expertise in a way that could truly benefit them.” Fiona Lavery, Head of UK People Management at WaterAid says: “Our mission is to change normal and make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene part of normal life for everyone, everywhere by 2030. The environment and workplace culture we create and work within has a huge impact on our ability to achieve this mission. We are extremely grateful to RLB for providing its costs consultancy services pro bono to support us on this journey. We want to create a workplace that enables our staff to do their best work; a place where we bring people together from across the countries where WaterAid works and a connecting hub for our partners and supporters.” RLB UK is working on WaterAid’s relocation alongside Project Managers, Blackburn & Co, and Morgan Lovell as main contractors on the project.
Decorating smaller spaces can often be a challenge, especially when working with a room such as the bathroom, which requires key features to suit meet needs. There are many things to consider when decorating any space, but when it comes to a smaller area you need to think about things in even more detail, working out alternative storage solutions that will help you utilise the space you have, whilst still being able to get the correct bathroom features into the room in order for it to function properly. A petite bathroom can be extremely warm and cosy, creating your very own spa-like sanctuary, it’s all about getting the right balance of practicality with style. Adding Mirrors One of the first things you should consider when decorating and styling a petite bathroom space is the addition of a mirror. Mirrors are perfect for creating a sense of space and making a room feel open and light, which is ideal within the bathroom. By adding a mirror to one of your bathroom walls, you’ll instantly be able to bounce the natural light throughout the room and make the area feel much more spacious. Mirrors are also a must have in any bathroom, often positioned above the sink you can create a lovely focal point to draw the room together seamlessly. Essential Features Within the bathroom, there are many different features that are required to ensure you can make the most out of the space you have. Everyday use requires key features such as shaver sockets, vanity cabinets and storage space to keep your daily products neat and tidy. With a shaver socket, you then have the ability to charge your electric toothbrush, razor and other electrical items that you use through your day to day routines. Similarly, you need to focus on investing in the right kind of vanity cabinets, to really make the most of the space. Hidden cabinets within mirrors are a great feature for the petite bathroom styles, as you are doubling up the use and making the most of the wall space available without taking away from any of the floorspace within the room. Statement Tiles Creating a bold statement within a petite bathroom can really help to bring the character the space needs without having to go overboard with the décor. Introducing some stylish, trendy tiles can instantly transform a space and bring the room to life, with lighter tiles also helping to lift the atmosphere. You can get really creative when adding statement tiles, whether that’s creating your own bold pattern, or simply combining bright colours for a really captivating aesthetic. Minimal Mess Less is certainly more when it comes to smaller spaces and with a petite bathroom it’s important to keep the mess to an absolute minimum. Storage is key, as the less you have out on display such as toiletries and appliances the better. Try to keep your bathroom as neat and tidy as possible, as this will help to keep the space feeling fresh and open, rather than it feeling cramped and overcrowded.
The Today Company is a new online home improvement website offering designer lifestyle products at budget prices for the trade and homeowners directly. The todayco.uk provides guaranteed quality bi-folding doors, slim frame sliding doors, roof lanterns, pergolas, verandas, awnings and roof lights which can be fully personalised with a choice of colours and variety of door handles. They also have an extensive range of award-winning designer steel and stone fire pits, bowls and tables. Products can be ordered online in three easy steps, or by phone, and the todayco.uk can also supply trained and insured fitters. Experienced industry expert Martin Pearson set-up todayco.uk, said: “Having worked in the home improvement market for over twenty years we wanted to provide fantastic products at low cost prices. “Most people may not have thought that many of our products could be as affordable, but by ordering direct online makes it possible to create your dream home, bringing the outside in and using your garden and outdoor space all year round.” As an introductory offer the todayco.uk are giving 15% off on all orders for all customers. To take advantage of the offer, simply go to todayco.uk and click on the 15% off coupon and fill in contact details to receive your discount code on all products. Leading brands include Panoramic Doors, Raynaers, Erhardt, Skylux and Eco Smart fire pits. For full product offer and information please visit todayco.uk or call 0113 5312 121.