Torus is celebrating a double shortlisting at the TPAS Awards this year. The awards celebrate the tireless passion, commitment and impact the work of tenants and housing providers undertake day in, day out to drive lasting change for individuals and communities alike. Torus Tenant Board member and Landlord Operations Committee
Vivalda Group plc has seen its income rise from £33.73m to £36.77m during 2019, despite the continued gloom surrounding the UK construction sector that saw more than 22 contractors* go out of business last year. Commenting on the strong sales performance, Vivalda’s chairman Peter Johnson said: “Sales have seen an
There’s not a single person in the world that hasn’t heard of a storage container. They can be used for many different things. People became creative over the years. Some of them even use them to build houses. As you can see, their popularity is enormous. But there is a
Bull Products, a manufacturer of life-saving fire protection equipment, has won a contract to supply its Cygnus Wireless Alarm System to a flagship residential development in Glasgow. Part of the Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area, the largest project of its kind outside of London, the 824-home NorthBridge development will include a
EXPERIENCED construction executive Sarah Cooke has launched Rebha, a Staffs-based consultancy with the aim of improving the way organisations work through transformational change and innovation. Sarah was most recently at Morgan Sindall as a pre-construction director, and prior to that, had a leading role for four years at Galliford Try.
Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed by Derbyshire County Council to deliver a new £5.3 million primary school on Tutbury Avenue in Littleover, Derby. The project has been procured through the Scape Regional Construction framework (RCF). Morgan Sindall Construction will celebrate two years on the framework in February 2020. A
Tarkett has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the sustainability of the built environment by becoming a member of The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC). The mission of the UKGBC is to improve the sustainability of the built environment by transforming the way it is planned, designed, constructed, maintained and operated.
Too many people sit down with a real estate agent and share a string of adjectives that are difficult to define. Terms like luxury, cute, comfortable, spacious, and efficient don’t give your real estate agent as much information to work on as you may think. Let’s outline what you must
So, what are the top characteristics of the best realtors in San Antonio? What separates the top realtors in the city from the rest? What do they offer to their clients? Detailed Local Knowledge The top realtors in San Antonio offer detailed knowledge of the real estate market. It isn’t
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has welcomed new commitments from the UK government to accelerate building safety improvements – and calls for “visible and tangible action” to now be taken. This week Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced new measures to improve building safety in the UK. The
Torus is celebrating a double shortlisting at the TPAS Awards this year. The awards celebrate the tireless passion, commitment and impact the work of tenants and housing providers undertake day in, day out to drive lasting change for individuals and communities alike. Torus Tenant Board member and Landlord Operations Committee member, Ray Jones was nominated by the Group for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ray has been an active tenant since 2008 first with Liverpool Mutual Homes and latterly with Torus. Over the past 11 years, Ray has been a passionate advocate of tenant representation and decision-making. His sphere of influence has been far-reaching and embraces committees for assets, audit and risk, remuneration and financing. With a focus on the provision of high-quality, mixed tenure homes and investment in existing homes, Ray’s input has helped shape the delivery of Liverpool’s Marwood Towers and Torus’ award-winning development, Ogden’s Place, in Everton. For the past year, as a member of Torus Landlord Operations Committee, Ray has been the voice for nearly 40,000 tenants. However, Ray took his voice and those of all tenants to a national stage when he was successfully appointed to the National Housing Federation’s ‘Tenant Advisory Panel’. This critical role sees him helping to develop the design and policy for social housing associations and boards nationwide. Commenting on his nomination, Ray said: “I’m honoured and privileged to have been nominated; I enjoy excellent social housing accommodation and facilities. “I have become passionate in trying to make sure all social housing tenants of whatever age, can also enjoy clean, safe, affordable housing, which in turn, helps maintain health and wellbeing. Building up a transparent relationship between tenant and provider is the key to a successful partnership, both parties benefit accordingly.” Torus’ second nomination, Torus Talk, an innovative online tenant engagement and consultation platform has also been shortlisted for the Excellence in Tenant Communication Award. Designed and developed in consultation with tenants, the Customer Involvement Team and the Communications Team, Torus Talk harnesses the power of Facebook to give 38,695 tenants the opportunity to have their say without physically having to attend consultation sessions. By removing barriers to participation, Torus Talk has enhanced tenant involvement, scrutiny and empowerment. Torus Regional director, Jan Calland, said: “Torus celebrated its one-year anniversary in January and we worked hard to embed tenant involvement from the outset. Much of this is thanks to the combined vision of our board, leadership team and Landlord Operations Committee. “However, teams across the business and tenants alike have embraced tenant participation as a way to work together, make positive changes and keep improving. The fact that we’ve been shortlisted really recognises the value of the work that’s been done.” The TPAS Awards take place on March 27th in Manchester.
Vivalda Group plc has seen its income rise from £33.73m to £36.77m during 2019, despite the continued gloom surrounding the UK construction sector that saw more than 22 contractors* go out of business last year. Commenting on the strong sales performance, Vivalda’s chairman Peter Johnson said: “Sales have seen an increase across the UK and Ireland, and while the wider construction market has been subdued Vivalda Group is benefitting from a trend towards higher quality products. We’re certainly seeing more specifiers and contractors turning to us for certified cladding products they can rely upon.” “And with a recent estimate putting the combined turnover of construction companies going bust last year at £1.2bn, we are also keeping a watchful eye on the fundamentals. Audited accounts will be available in the usual way; in advance I’m pleased to report that the business ended the year with a multi-million pound net cash position as well as an increase in tangible assets.” “Altogether a pleasing outcome given the hat-trick the industry has found itself dealing with for far too long – Brexit, recession, and buck-passing when it comes to the replacement of dangerous cladding with Vivalda’s non-combustible range”. The UK’s largest independent supplier of cladding and façade systems, Vivalda has shifted its focus to predominantly A1 and A2 certified materials such as glass reinforced concrete (GRC), natural fibre cement and solid aluminium. In August 2019, Vivalda Group acquired Cumbernauld-based MSP (Scotland), which specialises in bespoke powder coated aluminium cladding products for architects and specifiers. The business operates from 11 sites across the United Kingdom and employs approximately 160 people.
There’s not a single person in the world that hasn’t heard of a storage container. They can be used for many different things. People became creative over the years. Some of them even use them to build houses. As you can see, their popularity is enormous. But there is a reason behind it. People will always like something that can be used to its full potential. Well, buying a shipping container might just be the best practical choice you ever make. The good thing about the product is that it doesn’t come in just one size, color, or shape. They are made to please any customer that needs an additional storage area. Some even have a particular color in mind that they want. However, not everyone has a large enough backyard to place it in. You need to think of that as well. Also, not everyone needs a large storage unit in the first place. Luckily for you, you have all the time in the world to research the product thoroughly before you make a final decision. Use the internet for research or ask around for recommendations. Either way, you should know that you are not making a bad decision. A storage unit can be the solution to all of your problems. Lots of storage space The main reason why people buy or rent them is because of their storage space. You can place anything you want in there. A lot of companies and firms purchase hundreds of them regularly. They store their equipment and heavy machinery there. Owning a storage unit like this can really free up space in your home. No more tipping over from things blocking your way. As mentioned above, they come in different sizes. You can select the size you most see fit to store all of the things you had planned. Some of them come with shelves so that not everyone has to lie on the floor. The smaller and not so heavy items can be placed on the shelves. How cool is that? You can purchase as many as you need to store your things. Just make sure to look through several sites that sell them. Not all of them offer similar prices and quality. Also, it is good to know that the business that sells them is closer to where you live. This way, you won’t have to wait as much for the delivery, especially if you are planning to build a home out of them. Click on the link for more details about the subject https://www.perthnow.com.au/lifestyle/real-estate/owners-turn-to-shipping-container-homes-to-save-time-and-money-ng-d81de271bd3fd6504011519ab317e87e. Durability Another advantage of the storage units is their durability. They are made of particular materials that won’t get damaged because of storms or other harsh weather conditions. This means that you can place anything you want in them. The items inside will not be damaged. A lot of people consider them as an investment, and they are right to think so. Whether you decide to buy or rent one, it doesn’t matter. The storage unit will still be practical and durable. If you have thought about this for a long time, then perhaps you have saved enough money to buy one. You can turn into your own garage, for example, where you keep all the gardening stuff. As mentioned above, homeowners use it for different reasons. Besides, it’s good to know that you can count on the product to serve you for a long time. The cor-ten steel manufacturers incorporate while producing it is what keeps it durable. Also, don’t worry about thieves either. They won’t be able to penetrate it. Some of them have advanced locks that only you can access. Rentals Some people don’t have the budget to buy one. Instead, they opt out for the more affordable version, and that is to rent one. Also, a lot of times, people need them only temporarily. Why buy one, when you will no longer need it in the future? Lots of businesses offer great deals on rentals. You should definitely check them out as well. Many websites sell and rent quality storage containers. Look through several of them before you make your final decision. Check out the Shipped website as well as many others for additional helpful information. It is always good to get as informed as you can on a product you plan on buying or renting. Renting is the cheapest option, sure, but make sure that the one you plan on renting is also in good shape. Some previous owners might have damaged them in some way. But, on the bright side, you can rent them for an even lower price, if they had suffered slight damage. Fast delivery You don’t have to wait for weeks because the storage unit will be delivered to you as soon as possible. From the moment you arrange a deal, the sellers will take care of the delivery. Not only that, but they will place it in your yard or wherever you want as well. You won’t even have to lift a finger. How awesome is that? Read more here. Therefore, make sure to find a reliable website that will exceed your expectations. However, be careful because a lot of those sites are scams that can easily take your money and leave you with nothing. If you live somewhere in Tennessee, then you will definitely encounter a reliable service.
Bull Products, a manufacturer of life-saving fire protection equipment, has won a contract to supply its Cygnus Wireless Alarm System to a flagship residential development in Glasgow. Part of the Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area, the largest project of its kind outside of London, the 824-home NorthBridge development will include a range of two to five-bedroom houses, apartments, a new school campus and community spaces. In partnership with Keepmoat Homes, Bull has been selected as its fire safety supplier thanks to the high-strength connectivity and impressive signal range of its Cygnus alarm system. The Northbridge development is now fully equipped with a range of fire safety equipment to protect workers and the site up until project completion in 2021. Products on site include Bull’s Cygnus Fire Call Point Alarm, a range of fire extinguishers and fire trolleys. Bradley Markham, Director at Bull Products, says: “Winning this major contract is testament to the innovation of our Cygnus alarm system. We are hugely proud to be working alongside Keepmoat to ensure fire safety is a number one priority throughout the development of the project.” The Cygnus Wireless Alarm System is the most adaptable temporary alarm system for use in the construction industry. With an ability to operate in 15 zones and up to 32 devices per zone, its wide connection means it is well suited for large-scale developments that require multiple alarm units to protect the whole site. For more information, please visit www.bullproducts.co.uk or email enquiries@bullproducts.co.uk
EXPERIENCED construction executive Sarah Cooke has launched Rebha, a Staffs-based consultancy with the aim of improving the way organisations work through transformational change and innovation. Sarah was most recently at Morgan Sindall as a pre-construction director, and prior to that, had a leading role for four years at Galliford Try. With a degree in architecture, Sarah also held positions at Lendlease and Thomas Vale, the Bouygues UK business where she was head of preconstruction and design. Having worked in design, on site, and up to director level Sarah has a strong understanding of the construction process from inception through to pre-construction and construction to aftercare. Sarah’s huge passion for driving change in the sector through strategy, innovation and success, led her to set up Rebha. She said: “Setting up my own consultancy seemed to be the obvious next step in my career. Having worked for some of the largest construction firms for more than 15 years, I felt I wanted to use my experience to push change within the industry and drive improvement across the industry as a whole, whilst also supporting firms to improve the way they work, drive innovation through technology and process, and help them win work.” Sarah’s leadership skills and technical knowledge come from experience in working on large private sector projects including shopping centres, high-rise residential and leisure, to public sector projects and frameworks including the delivery of DfE schools and bidding national government frameworks. Rebha is currently working with Pagabo, the rapidly growing national framework organisation, on new technology to improve wellbeing in the construction sector, specifically on site. By data tracking wellbeing against critical site pressures, they aim to improve the way construction projects are planned, managed and delivered to reduce mental health issues in the industry. Sarah is also acting as interim chief operating officer at Eco Modular, the Hull-based modular buildings company – leading design, pre-construction and manufacturing. “Eco Modular is a fantastic product, and while they are already very well known in the sector, I know that I have the skills to help in their next period of growth. It’s an exciting time for the business and I will be assisting the organisation to refine its internal processes and strategy for future planning” said Sarah. Rebha is helping to deliver strategies for a number of other construction firms – and is looking to support companies within the areas of architecture and engineering. Sarah added: “Rebha is more than a consultancy. We want to redefine the industry through strategy to promote success. We want to support businesses through transformational change and growth through the development of strategy – and spearheading change to promote innovation to help businesses use the latest techniques to succeed. “Rebha is about generating efficiencies and improved techniques for work winning or creating strategies for businesses to launch new services, as well as generating ideas for innovation. We want to give our clients an edge in the market whether it be to increase profitability or to support in the bid situation.” For more information visit http://www.rebha.co.uk/
Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed by Derbyshire County Council to deliver a new £5.3 million primary school on Tutbury Avenue in Littleover, Derby. The project has been procured through the Scape Regional Construction framework (RCF). Morgan Sindall Construction will celebrate two years on the framework in February 2020. A ground-breaking ceremony was held this week to celebrate the beginning of onsite works. It was attended by representatives from the main contractor and Derbyshire County Council, alongside members of the Spencer Academy Trust and Lungfish Architects. Spencer Highfields Academy will be governed by the trust, which runs primary, secondary and sixth form provisions across the East Midlands. Derbyshire County Council has commissioned the scheme in anticipation of a population surge generated by Highfields Estate, the new build housing development where the school will be situated. Once complete, the school will provide 210 primary and 26 nursery places. Plans outline a single-storey, 15,510 square foot main building. This will house seven general purpose classrooms, a reception, nursery and a double storey main hall. External facilities include a soft play area, a large playing field, and a MUGA pitch. Students will also benefit from a visitors’ garden and allotment area. There will also be a parking area and cycle storage facilities. Designed by Lungfish Architects, the new development is using offsite modular construction methods. Modular building allows for greater time efficiency within the build programme, alongside considerably decreased carbon emissions. Offsite work has already commenced on forty-five pre-fabricated modules at subcontractor Eco Modular’s factory in Hull. These will then be delivered to site and completed in time for the new academic year. Rob Cant, Framework Director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “Modular building is proving incredibly popular in the education sector – and with good reason. Advances in technology mean that modern methods of construction can deliver high-quality 21st century learning environments within constrained time scales and with minimal disruption to day-to-day school life. “Offsite construction results in reduced subcontractor traffic, and embodied carbon, while the expandable nature of the design facilitates easy expansion should population growth necessitate it in future. “We’re naturally very pleased to be working with Lungfish Architects on another key education project for Derby; and to be delivering it through Scape Group’s Regional Construction framework (RCF), which we celebrate two years on next month.” Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Young People Councillor Alex Dale said: “We’re very pleased to be working in partnership on this exciting project and making the best use of our resources to provide a high-quality modern school for local children and for use by the wider community. “We approved the requirement for a new school to respond to the need for more school places due to significant housing developments in the area and also to provide much-needed nursery provision. “We were pleased to be involved in its design and it is our first whole school modular build – a building innovation recommended by the Department for Education – which makes it quick, efficient and cost-effective and also reduces construction disruption for local residents.” Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said “future proofing our education facilities now in preparation for the increase in population is vital to ensure that education standards can continue to improve. It is reassuring that Derbyshire County Council has taken this strategic approach and is further investing in its constituents’ education with Spencer Highfields Academy.” Simon Reid, Lungfish Architects Managing Director, commented “By working collaboratively with Derbyshire County Council, Morgan Sindall and utilising our expertise in designing schools using offsite modular construction techniques, we are creating innovative, engaging spaces that will enhance the learning experience for the pupils.” Work is expected to complete on the project by September 2020. Last year, Morgan Sindall Construction and Lungfish worked together on the nearby Hackwood Primary Academy which opened in September. The modular project has been hailed for the speed of delivery, which saw work progress from planning to completion in less than a year.
Tarkett has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the sustainability of the built environment by becoming a member of The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC). The mission of the UKGBC is to improve the sustainability of the built environment by transforming the way it is planned, designed, constructed, maintained and operated. This mirrors Tarkett’s belief that through collaboration, industry can make a positive impact on people and the planet. As part of its pledge of ‘Doing Good Together’, the global flooring manufacturer aims to create healthier spaces by making sustainable flooring that is good for both people and the environment. In particular Tarkett uses a circular economy approach to product design. It strives to select materials that can be recovered, recycled and transformed. The focus on Cradle to Cradle design principles allows products to be manufactured using healthy components and help preserve natural resources whilst mitigating the effects of climate change. Through its ReStart© takeback programme, Tarkett manages flooring waste effectively by transforming it into new, high-quality products. And thanks to breakthrough technology at its Waalwijk facility, Tarkett has increased its industrial capacity to separate the two principal components of carpet tiles – yarn and backing, so they can also be recycled for future use. Ross Dight, Technical and Sustainability Director at Tarkett, commented: “As a global flooring business we believe we go well beyond our peers, in the built environment supply chain, by making sustainable flooring that is good for both people and our environment. Following such principles also provides our customers with the opportunity to advance their own sustainability goals. Joining the UK Green Building Council allows us to collaborate with the wider industry, share best practice and be part of a movement that is creating a vision of a better built environment.”
Too many people sit down with a real estate agent and share a string of adjectives that are difficult to define. Terms like luxury, cute, comfortable, spacious, and efficient don’t give your real estate agent as much information to work on as you may think. Let’s outline what you must tell your real estate agent in order to find the right home for the best price as soon as possible. Your Budget Whether you’re looking for a starter home or luxury homes for sale in Calabasas, CA, discuss your budget with your real estate agent. How much money can you put down on the property? How much can you afford to borrow? If you clearly communicate your financial situation to the realtor, you won’t be shown homes that are beyond your budget. This will both save you time and heartache, such as when you’re shown a perfect home that’s 30K more than you can afford. Discuss your ability to pay carrying costs like insurance, property taxes, homeowner’s association dues, and so forth with the realtor. If these costs are an issue, the realtor won’t show you a property that comes with great amenities paid for by steep HOA dues you can’t afford. It would be a good idea to use the Zilculator real estate analysis on the property you want to purchase to get a better idea of whether it’s a smart investment or not. Your Ideal Home Size Simplify life for everyone and tell your real estate agent how many bedrooms you consider an acceptable minimum. Would you be happy with a two-bedroom condo? Do you need at least four bedrooms to give your family enough space? How large is large enough? This saves you from trips to properties that are too small for your needs or your tastes. And how large is too large? Some people want a smaller home to reduce the required upkeep though they could afford something larger. This is why sales of McMansions have stalled. Do you want a 1500 square foot luxury home or a basic 3000 square foot property? Your Timeframe Be upfront about your time frame with real estate agents. Let them know that you want to close on a property before school starts to minimize disruption for the kids. Tell them when you need to close on a property on your one or two visits to the area before you move there permanently. Let them know when you do have several weeks to renovate or repair a property before you move in, since this may make modest fixer-uppers a possibility. Tell them when you will put a premium on move-in ready properties so that they only show you properties that fit your needs. Your Preferences What do you want in your new home? And what do you want to avoid? Do you consider a swimming pool a pro or a con? Do you want a chef grade kitchen and entertaining spaces in your new home? Would you be willing to trade a home in the suburbs for a massive zero lot property in downtown? Would you like to be able to age in place in a home that’s already accessible? Do you want to have the ability to add a mother-in-law suite? Give the realtor a list of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers so that they can winnow the list of properties to show you to only those that are a perfect fit.
So, what are the top characteristics of the best realtors in San Antonio? What separates the top realtors in the city from the rest? What do they offer to their clients? Detailed Local Knowledge The top realtors in San Antonio offer detailed knowledge of the real estate market. It isn’t enough to say that a neighborhood is affordable, desirable, or up-and-coming. They know which neighborhoods provide a fast commute to downtown or are the lowest cost homes assigned to a top school. They have detailed knowledge about specific property markets, whether you’re looking for a condo or luxury single family home. Note that this means a realtor who specializes in luxury properties may not be of much assistance when you’re looking for an affordable family home, and someone who is knowledgeable about downtown may not able to give much advice about the San Antonio suburbs. Attention to Detail The best realtors in San Antonio have an eye for detail. They find issues with the property that can be used to lower the price. For example, they may be able to bring up the HOA dues owed or upcoming neighboring development that affects the property’s value. They find overlooked properties that may be available at a bargain. They can advise clients on legal matters and their own unique situation instead of giving canned advice. Negotiating Skills Great realtors don’t just set or offer a good price for a home. They’ll negotiate the value of the home. And they’ll negotiate other aspects of the deal such as property repairs, cash toward home renovations, and associated closing costs. Note that negotiating skills are very different from listening skills, but a realtor who won’t listen to you won’t be able to adequately argue your case. Nor will they be able to find the right property for you. Speed Real estate is a classic example of Pareto’s law. The top 20 percent of realtors sell 80 percent of the homes. The best realtors are able to move real estate far faster than everyone else. They’ll sell your home in weeks, not months. They’ll home in on the perfect property for you based on your budget, desired amenities, and personal requirements. You don’t waste time touring thirty homes while debating which of the four mediocre candidates are good enough. Instead, your checklist is compared against a massive inventory, and you’re shown two to four properties that are all perfect. The realtor has a team working to maximize efficiency. This means you are shown the best homes for your situation so that you can close on it as quickly as possible. Honesty and Integrity Real estate is the largest single purchase any of us make. You can’t afford to make a mistake. Attention to detail can reduce the odds of accidents, but it won’t make up for fraud or deceptive marketing. This is why the best realtors have honesty and integrity. They’ll admit when they don’t know something before referring you to someone who can answer your questions.
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has welcomed new commitments from the UK government to accelerate building safety improvements – and calls for “visible and tangible action” to now be taken. This week Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced new measures to improve building safety in the UK. The announcement includes the immediate establishment of a new Building Safety Regulator within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as well as a proposal to extend the existing combustible cladding ban and accelerate its removal from buildings across the country. Richard Jones, Head of Policy and Regulatory Engagement at IOSH, said: “While it’s positive to hear the new government declare it won’t tolerate the slow pace of improvement to building safety in the UK, which IOSH and others have raised concern over, we now need to see visible and tangible action, with these announcements just the start of an extensive and active delivery-programme. “Working with the HSE will be reassuring for many, given it’s a world-class regulator that secures near universal praise nationally. It has successful experience of co-regulation, as well as of operating permissioning and safety-case regimes and enforcing the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, so should be ideally placed for such a role. However, it will be vital that it’s properly resourced for taking on this substantial additional responsibility and workload for this new regime, which we understand will be fully chargeable. “In IOSH’s response to the combustible cladding ban consultation, we emphasised the need to remove it from all high-rises in both residential and non-residential buildings. We are pleased that the government is now reconsidering its position and have clarified its guidance for building-owners. “We also look forward to further government action on sprinkler requirements and to the Fire Safety Bill and its clarification of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.” Last month, IOSH urged the government to “get health and safety done” and pushed for urgent progress on all the key occupational safety and health public-policy areas, including national ‘post-Grenfell’ reforms on building regulation and fire safety. Last month, IOSH urged the government to “get health and safety done” and pushed for urgent progress on all the key occupational safety and health public-policy areas, including national ‘post-Grenfell’ reforms on building regulation and fire safety.