Network Rail has announced that it will be completing maintenance and renewal work on the West Coast Mainline over 10 weekends between April and June in 2020. Engineers will refurbish or renew more than 17 kilometres of the track at 20 locations along the line, between Carstairs and the Scottish
Sector authority, Chuck J. Lewis, has joined multi award winning Smoke & Fire Curtains Ltd as their new CEO. Mr Lewis, who took up the position within the Fire Curtains Group in early November brings with him an abundance of more than three decades of direct experience from the smoke
J Tomlinson has handed over a new £5.2m industrial park in Market Harborough, which is set to create more than 200 jobs. Airfield Business Park – developed by Leicestershire County Council – will boost business and employment opportunities in the town and the local economy. A range of high-spec industrial
When you want to renovate your house, you need to accept the fact that there is no specific timeline as anything can come up to lengthen the process. From plumbing issues to needing to re-paint a section of a wall, renovation projects can take longer than expected. Some renovations can
If you want to move your belongings across the country, truck rental is your best option. Although you will save a lot of money, driving a rental truck is a huge responsibility. You may find it intimidating to figure out how to drive a 12 foot or longer truck with
Turner & Townsend has been appointed by Bradford Live to project manage the redevelopment of the city’s historic former Odeon building. The scheme which will reinstate the main auditorium, creating the biggest ‘mid-sized’ performance area in the country, will be seen through to completion by the global professional services consultancy.
Estate and Letting Agents in the UK are being urged to check that they are signed up with an approved redress scheme that covers the full remit of their work. The warning follows a recent tribunal that penalised a business that was signed up to a redress scheme for its
Society has come a long way in the last 35 years, especially when it comes to diversity and equality. In a study released by Sky News in 2019, back in 1984, 42 per cent of people felt men should be the breadwinner of a family. The same respondents agreed that
GMI confirms appointment as contractor on new 14-storey, 331 room hotel development on last remaining plot. GMI Construction Group has today announced that is been appointed by property management business Marrico as the contractor for the construction of a new 14-storey high, 331 room hotel development within the high profile
A turf cutting ceremony has taken place to officially mark the start of a multi-million pound scheme to transform leisure provision in Berwick. Work is due to commence on Berwick’s new state of the art £20 million leisure centre which is being funded by Northumberland County Council and will be
Network Rail has announced that it will be completing maintenance and renewal work on the West Coast Mainline over 10 weekends between April and June in 2020. Engineers will refurbish or renew more than 17 kilometres of the track at 20 locations along the line, between Carstairs and the Scottish border. A bridge near Beattock will also be replaced. Due to the amount of engineering work taking place, this will mean the short term closure of the railway. Buses will replace trains between Carlisle and both Glasgow and Edinburgh on weekends between Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, June 7. On most weekends, the closures will affect trains from mid-morning on Saturdays until the start of service on the following Monday. Over Easter and some weekends in May the closures will extend for longer, with buses replacing trains on Monday, April 13 and Mondays May 4 and 25.
Sector authority, Chuck J. Lewis, has joined multi award winning Smoke & Fire Curtains Ltd as their new CEO. Mr Lewis, who took up the position within the Fire Curtains Group in early November brings with him an abundance of more than three decades of direct experience from the smoke and fire curtain sector having previously worked with Coopers Fire and latterly the IFC Group at both Management and Director level. Mr Lewis was a co-author of both PAS 121:2007 and BS 8524:2013 series, and became the recipient of UK’s prestigious inaugural Passive Fire Protection Award for Member Contribution in 2018, awarded by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection who cited ‘consistently excelling in his chairmanship of Technical Task Group 7 (Active Fire Curtains) and going over and above the normal duties required for this role’. Speaking on his appointment Mr Lewis said, “I have watched the Fire Curtains Group and, in particular, Smoke & Fire Curtains Ltd with interest. Their Managing Director, Simona Pillay, represented on Technical Task Group 7, introduced me to Arthur Calow, Chairman of the Group, where they discussed their growth and development ambitions for their Group and, specifically, Smoke & Fire Curtains Ltd. “I’m excited for this new challenge in my career and the plans set in motion that Simona and Arthur shared with me over the course of our discussions, which were interesting and come at an extremely important time for the sector. “I’m very much looking forward to leading Smoke & Fire Ltd into this new decade and contributing to the growth and development of the company and, indeed, the Group as a whole.” This news follows on from the purchase of Intumescent Chemicals – a specialist in indicative fire-resistant testing and the research and development of intumescent liquid flame retardants (LFRs) – by Fire Curtains Group at the end of 2019.
J Tomlinson has handed over a new £5.2m industrial park in Market Harborough, which is set to create more than 200 jobs. Airfield Business Park – developed by Leicestershire County Council – will boost business and employment opportunities in the town and the local economy. A range of high-spec industrial units ranging from 1,570 to 33,360 sq. ft (145 to 3,099 sq. m.) has been built. Darroch Baker, construction managing director at J Tomlinson, said: “It has been a pleasure to be involved in the creation of this exciting new business park in partnership with Leicestershire County Council. “It is great to see the high level of interest in these high-spec, energy efficient units, and we hope this becomes a thriving business hub in which the tenants enjoy their new premises.” The first business to sign up and move into one of the units is Fasten-It Ltd, which supplies products for the UPVC roofline, door and window fitting industry. Byron Rhodes, deputy county council leader, said: “It is great to see this venture complete and ready for new and existing businesses. Supporting businesses is important; it helps boost our local economy and creates jobs. Investing in property also enables us to generate extra income which we can then plough back into frontline services.” The site also features 692 solar panels, which are part of the council’s ongoing commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030. Several other companies have already shown an interest in renting the units, with six of the 12 units reserved by prospective tenants. J Tomlinson, based at Beeston near Nottingham, operates primarily across the East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire. For more information visit www.jtomlinson.co.uk
When you want to renovate your house, you need to accept the fact that there is no specific timeline as anything can come up to lengthen the process. From plumbing issues to needing to re-paint a section of a wall, renovation projects can take longer than expected. Some renovations can take a week, a few weeks, or even months. Thus, the right answer for such a question is it “depends.” Having strangers and everything turning out to be dusty can feel like an eternity for you. That is why it is essential to know how long it can take to complete a project. Read through to find out the average time it takes to complete some common home renovations. 1) Kitchen Remodel The timeline of renovating a kitchen will depend on various things, such as if you want to replace cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, and if you are only making improvements such as cabinet refinishing. According to the Auckland renovation timeline, it might take at least 6-8 months to renovate a kitchen. However, you should know that the designing phase is not in this timeline. 2) Home Addition Project If you are planning to do this type of project, it might take an average of 3-4 months. However, you should note that the three months are only for construction. If you include planning and designing, it might take a bit longer to complete. The good thing about this project is that it is in a new space, so the existing part will not be torn out. Furthermore, at the end of the project, you will have a bigger house. You should know that this is a bigger project, and your contractors will spend more time at your place. Therefore, you need to have a good relationship with the contractors for the project to run smoothly. 3) Bathroom Remodel If you have a single bathroom and you plan to remodel it, you should prepare yourself for some disruption. You might need to change your bathing routine and look for an alternative for a call of nature. To remodel your bathroom can take an average of 2-3 weeks. However, if you are planning to move the toilet, it can increase the time it takes to complete. 4) New Roof Sometimes you might be forced to replace a new roof in your house. Getting a new roof is one of the most significant decisions that you might need to make. Whether you replace, recover, or repair the roof, you need to decide on the type of roof your house may need. You need to know that this project will be noisy and you may need to be out of the house during working hours. On average, it may take 3-5 days to replace roofing. However, you should know that your timeline might be affected by the complexity of the job, weather, and the size of your house. 5) Basement Remodel This project takes an average of 7-6 weeks. The reason why remodeling a basement takes long is that there may be some toys in there, theaters, gym, and removing windows. If you plan to do some home renovations, these are some of the timelines that it can take. For the smooth running of the projects, you should find a reliable contractor and provide them with all the things they may need.
If you want to move your belongings across the country, truck rental is your best option. Although you will save a lot of money, driving a rental truck is a huge responsibility. You may find it intimidating to figure out how to drive a 12 foot or longer truck with your loved ones and belongings on board. This feeling will also double if you have never driven a large vehicle before. However, it is not all that different from driving a car. Although you will have to figure out where all the blinkers, blind spots, and buttons are, you likely to be fine if you are used to driving a standard car. Read to discover the first time driving tips of a truck rental. Inspection. You do not want to start your journey only to burst your tire in the middle of nowhere and realize that you do not have a spare one. Do a thorough inspection before you pick the truck from the rental company. Check the lights, oil, signals, and even the mirrors to ensure that the truck is in good shape. Request and insist on the rental company to get you the newest truck in their parking lot. Check for any damages both in the interior and exterior to ensure that they do not blame you when you return the truck. Safe Distance. Trucks are often more massive, and they take longer to come to a complete stop. Always keep a safe distance from other cars so that you can brake on time in case of an emergency. You can keep double the distance you would keep if you were driving your regular car. Take it Slow. Most truck rental companies do not specify their speed limit. However, always follow the speed limits you will find on the road. The speed limit may also vary from state to state. As such, make sure you are aware of these regulations. You can also opt to drive at half the speed of a regular car to be on the safe side. Rest. If you drive for a long distance, make sure that your shift does not exceed ten hours. a professional truck driver drives for eleven hours a day. Rental companies recommend that you drive for ten hours. Take several breaks to keep fresh. Make sure that each break is about thirty minutes long after the first eight hours of driving. Breaks will help you keep your energy and sharpen your senses. Navigating Through Mountains. Nobody will ever teach you how to navigate a truck through mountains. Such roads may be challenging since they may not allow you to rest. As such, ensure you learn your route in advance and plan for these long and slow stretches. Remember that mountain curves are dangerous, and they require undivided attention. Now, you are well prepared to rent a truck and drive it across the country. Be safe and follow all the traffic rules.
Turner & Townsend has been appointed by Bradford Live to project manage the redevelopment of the city’s historic former Odeon building. The scheme which will reinstate the main auditorium, creating the biggest ‘mid-sized’ performance area in the country, will be seen through to completion by the global professional services consultancy. The appointment compliments Turner & Townsend’s existing cost management role on the project. The company will provide project management services to Bradford Live from its head office in Horsforth in Yorkshire. Bradford Live supports the rebirth of the city and the former Odeon building is a central component of this. With a seated capacity of 3,500 and a standing capacity of 4,000, it is expected to attract national and international performers. The venue’s flexibility will also allow sporting events, corporate product launches exhibitions and conferences. It will be run by NEC when it opens in autumn 2021. About Turner & Townsend Turner & Townsend is an independent professional services company specialising in programme management, project management, cost and commercial management and advisory across the real estate, infrastructure and natural resources sectors. With 110 offices in 45 countries, we draw on our extensive global and industry experience to manage risk while maximising value and performance during the construction and operation of our clients’ assets. www.turnerandtownsend.com
Estate and Letting Agents in the UK are being urged to check that they are signed up with an approved redress scheme that covers the full remit of their work. The warning follows a recent tribunal that penalised a business that was signed up to a redress scheme for its letting agency work but not for its property management work. In one of the first decisions of its kind, the Upper Tribunal* upheld a fine of £3000 against the business for its failure to belong to an approved redress scheme for property management. Its membership of the Property Ombudsman Scheme covered it for residential sales and lettings, commercial sales and lettings and some property management, but not for residential leasehold management. The decision has prompted National Trading Standards to issue guidance to Estate and Letting Agents across the country, focusing on agents ensuring their redress scheme covers all areas of their work, whether it’s sales, lettings or property management work. James Munro, Head of National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team, said: “We’re urging all estate and letting agents to double-check their redress scheme to ensure it covers the full breadth of their work. If you’re already signed up to a redress scheme, you may think your business is covered, but you should check that this covers the full breadth of your company’s activities. The recent tribunal decision shows businesses that are signed up to redress schemes for one area of their work but not for others may face hefty penalties in the courts.” Failure to be a member of a redress scheme, when legally required to do so, could result in a penalty notice being issued against the business. The two approved redress schemes are: Property Redress Scheme www.theprs.co.uk The Property Ombudsman www.tpos.co.uk Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at the Property Redress Scheme, said: “Whilst PRS membership covers most agents for all the work they do, they must tell us from the outset the areas they undertake work in so we can record this under their membership. Agents must also ensure that all their branches and offices are registered separately and the appropriate fee paid. If you are in any doubt whether you are fully compliant please contact us immediately” Katrine Sporle, Property Ombudsman, said: “TPO’s online membership and website provides detailed information about the categories of work TPO provides redress for, the options available, and clarity around the need to be registered for each category. Our membership team is on hand to give support and advice for new and existing members alike, so do please contact us if there is anything you are unsure about or need guidance on.” GUIDANCE FOR ESTATE AND LETTING AGENTS Make sure that your business is signed up with an approved redress scheme for the correct line of work (Sales, Lettings or Property Management Work). Review your existing terms of agreement/membership to ensure your redress scheme covers the full activities of the business. Check the terms of agreement/membership to confirm if your business is required to pay membership for individual branches. As of 1st April 2019, Letting and Property Management Agents in the private rented sector are required to belong to a Client Money Protection (CMP) scheme if holding client money. If you’re an Agent who is required to belong to a CMP scheme, you should be displaying a certificate of your membership at your premises and online. CMP schemes should all be providing certificates. If you’re having difficulty in obtaining a certificate, please contact CMPschemes@communities.gov.uk
Society has come a long way in the last 35 years, especially when it comes to diversity and equality. In a study released by Sky News in 2019, back in 1984, 42 per cent of people felt men should be the breadwinner of a family. The same respondents agreed that women ought to take the role of homemaker. But, just 35 years later, only eight per cent of people believed that men should be breadwinners and women should be homemakers. But gender is only a small part of equality and diversity. Everything from age to race, religion to disability can factor into this topic. This is particularly relevant in terms of the workplace, as no one should be left out of a workplace. Luckily, we’re seeing some fantastic stories coming from trade jobs lately, showcasing not only diversity at work, but success from it. Managing quarries at 22 The BBC reported on the success of Emily Burridge in 2019. Burridge had entered into the world of construction via an apprenticeship scheme. But this isn’t just an example of a woman getting her foot in the door to a stereotypically male-orientated industry. Burridge hasn’t just gotten into the sector — she’s excelled, making her a brilliant example of why the industry must recognise the importance of equality and diversity. Her success is certainly inspiring. At 22 years old, Burridge is a technical production manager, having worked on 25 quarries. Not only is she representing the women in a male-dominated sector, she’s also championing the case for age equality and diversity too. Though she is only in her early twenties, Burridge replaced a man who was of retirement age. Even though her staff are mostly older men, Burridge has had no problem in integrating with and leading her staff. 2019’s Apprentice of the Year In the latter half of 2019, On The Tools awarded the prestigious “UK’s Best Apprentice” award to Todd Scanlon. Thirty-year-old Scanlon has Down’s Syndrome, but this has proven to be no obstacle for him on his journey to forge a career. Scanlon has always wanted to work in scaffolding, and after talking to a local company and showing his determination, Scanlon has not only become a permanent worker on their team but has been voted the UK’s best apprentice 2019. Scanlon is a valued member of the team, according to his boss. He’s hard-working, enthusiastic, polite, and the customers love him. Taking Scanlon on as a member of the team wasn’t any cause for concern for Coles Scaffolding, and the apprentice has more than proven his skill and willingness to learn over and over again. What more could an employer ask for from his workforce? “I think it’s mainly because it is thought people with a disability shouldn’t be in our industry,” Martyn Coles, Scanlon’s employer, said of the win. “He’s just shown that you can do it with the right guidance. He’s just a likeable guy.” An industry improvement Going into 2020, more and more diversity is expected in trade roles. And this, says Richard Walker from rubbish removal experts Skip Hire, is exactly what these industries need: “For too many years the industry has suffered with a negative perception and reputation creating a stigma that has acted as a barrier to entry to a more diverse talent pool of workers. As innovation and technology play its part in modernising ways of working in the sector, together with schemes such as apprenticeships, we’re not only seeing a more diverse workplace, but a more talented, skilled, and varied workforce.” The stories above are just a brief snapshot, of course. No doubt we’ll see even more throughout 2020! Sources:
GMI confirms appointment as contractor on new 14-storey, 331 room hotel development on last remaining plot. GMI Construction Group has today announced that is been appointed by property management business Marrico as the contractor for the construction of a new 14-storey high, 331 room hotel development within the high profile Sovereign Square scheme in Leeds. Marrico have submitted a planning application for the new hotel development which sits on the last remaining plot. The scheme once complete will feature a high-profile frontage onto the popular Sovereign Square and offer short and long stay accommodation catering for both business and leisure guests. It will include an on-site gym, meeting facilities, bar, restaurant and coffee shop fronting the square. It has been designed by Leeds-based architectural practice DLA Design, with the façade taking inspiration from the surrounding architecture and Leeds merchandising and textile history. The project will support around 190 construction jobs over the life of the project with the hotel creating 80 full-time jobs upon completion. Talking about the project GMI Divisional Managing Director Lee Powell said: “Sovereign Square is one of the most sought-after destinations within Leeds and an extremely high-profile development. GMI are delighted to have been appointed by Marrico to deliver the final phase of this development and bring forward another high-quality hotel development. This project serves as the 12th hotel project that GMI has been entrusted to deliver including 5 in the past 3 years and testament to the strength of our credentials in this growing sector” Also commenting Mark Barnes, partner at Marrico, said: “We are pleased to be able to share plans for a new hotel within the final remaining development site at Sovereign Square. The site is superbly located for hotel use from both business and visitors to the city being adjacent to the station, business core and the vibrant retail and leisure offer Leeds provides.”
A turf cutting ceremony has taken place to officially mark the start of a multi-million pound scheme to transform leisure provision in Berwick. Work is due to commence on Berwick’s new state of the art £20 million leisure centre which is being funded by Northumberland County Council and will be built on the site of the current Swan Centre in Tweedmouth. Tolent has been appointed as the official contractor and the centre will be constructed in phases to ensure that the existing Swan Centre continues to operate at all times until new facilities open to replace them. Work on Phase 1, which includes a new swimming pool and fitness suite will start on January 6 next year and is due to open in March 2021. The new centre is expected to be fully complete and open to the public in summer 2022. Designed by GT3 Architects, the new centre will feature a five-lane, 25m swimming pool, a teaching pool and leisure pool and spa facilities. There will be a sports hall, indoor bowls, fitness studios, cafe and a sensory room. Outside there will be a 3G full-size playing pitch, play park and trim trail and parking for 175 cars. Northumberland County Councillor Cath Homer, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts, Leisure and Tourism, said: “This significant investment will create outstanding new facilities for the town and surrounding communities and there is a real sense of anticipation as we mark the start of this work today. “The current Swan Centre has millions of pounds worth of backlog maintenance issues and is no longer fit for its intended purpose. The landmark new centre will be a focal point not just for local residents but for visitors from further afield and will add to the area’s ever growing tourism offer.” Mark Tweedie, Chief Executive of Active Northumberland, the organisation that will manage the centre said: “One of Active Northumberand’s key aims is to get more people, of all ages involved in physical activity to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This new centre and the facilities within it have been designed with this vision in mind. There will be something for all members of the local community and we hope that it will offer opportunities for more people to be active, more often.” Berwick’s three County Councillors, Cllrs Georgina Hill, Gregah Roughead and Catherine Seymour have also welcomed the news that work on the new leisure centre has commenced Cllr Gregah Roughead, local ward for Berwick West with Ord said: “ It’s an exciting day and I am thrilled that spades are in the ground and work is starting on the development. The local community have had a real say in deciding the facilities within it and I am sure the new centre will be a real asset for the town for generations to come. ” David Thompson, Regional Director for Tolent, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to such a significant project for Berwick and the wider area. This project will not only deliver outstanding leisure and sports facilities but the unique design of the building will be sure to bring interest from far and wide. “We look forward to working closely with Advance Northumberland and the wider design team to ensure we deliver something that the local community are proud of.” Advance Northumberland, a new regeneration company established by Northumberland County Council is responsible for delivering the project. They appointed a design team that includes lead consultant Henry Riley LLP and GT3 Architects. To find out more about Tolent visit www.tolent.co.ukFor all media enquires please contact Jennifer Scullion at jscullion@tolent.co.uk