We usually fall into the trap of just trying to solve the next issue that comes in our construction business without trying to analyze why those problems arose. Sometimes it can be difficult to take the time to develop a refreshing plan to move our construction company in the right
Out of 145 entries submitted in 2019, 91 National Landscape Awards have been bestowed on 63 members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), with several members winning an Award in multiple categories. Since the event was brought back in-house in 2018, numerous records have been achieved including the
To put it simply, green building, or eco-friendly building means developing and applying environmentally-conscious strategies throughout the entire process of elevating a building. Eco-friendly construction practices are starting to gain more and more popularity, and for good reasons. They are not only good for the environment, but in the long
Whether you are planning to remodel the old one, or have made a new purchase, renovating the driveway puts the finishing touch to your home. However, before getting on with the task, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. Material A range of materials can
The Building Services Engineering Association (BESA) says it is starting to devise the first British Standard for healthy buildings. The association said that owing to a series of factors including the rise of the human wellness industry, an increase of cases in occupational asthma and climate change, it had started
Ambitious and talented, Quantity Surveyor Rebecca Freeman has forged a successful career in the housing industry, sparked from her early days working as a lettings negotiator. In 2010, Rebecca joined Watford Community Housing Trust as a repairs administrator. It wasn’t long before her talent and dedication were noticed, and she
Manufacturer’s systems now feature on all five Cardiff office buildings by JR Smart. Ultra-green ceiling tiles from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions feature again on the fifth and latest office building to rise in Cardiff’s Capital Quarter redevelopment. Specified by M2M Architects, they feature throughout the office areas at No 4 Capital
CIVIL ENGINEERING and surfacing firm Thomas Bow City Asphalt has successfully secured a multi-million pound Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council framework contract to deliver road repair works across the county. The four-year patching contract – worth a total of £36 million – will see Thomas Bow act as
The construction of a new data centre is back on track following the rapid adoption of its electricity infrastructure by Energy Assets Networks (EAN), one of Britain’s leading independent distribution network operators (IDNO). An Independent connection provider (ICP) approached EAN when delays to the adoption of HV assets serving a
Leading supplier of hardware components, Rothley, has partnered with the UK’s largest specialist ironmongery supplier, IronmongeryDirect, tolaunch Rothley Endurance – an innovative range of strong, durable and long-lasting tubes and fittings for multiple applications. Unlike similar products currently on the market, the Rothley Endurance range is crafted from grade 201
We usually fall into the trap of just trying to solve the next issue that comes in our construction business without trying to analyze why those problems arose. Sometimes it can be difficult to take the time to develop a refreshing plan to move our construction company in the right direction. Do you know where your business is going or if it is possible to continue growing? These questions can be answered easily if you think about the best small business loans available in the financial market. Defining a small business loan What is a small business loan? Knowing the correct answer is essential for all construction business owners. These ventures require a large physical space, equipment, and inventory, and you might not have money to buy all that. So, a small business loan can be the opportunity you are waiting for. Remember, you need money to make money. A small business loan is a credit borrowed by a business owner to obtain a sum of money from a lender which will be repaid (plus interest) over a certain amount of time. Fortunately, there are different types of small business loans, so you will surely find the one that is suited for your construction business. However, you should consider some factors that can have an impact on what kind of small loan you will be able to qualify for, such as, how fast you can pay it back, the amount of time your business has been on the market and your credit score, among others. How to apply for a small business loan When you’ve decided that a small business loan is a right fit for your business, keep these things in mind: Case study: how to make your business grow wisely If your final aim for your construction company is to grow, you cannot only depend on your good reputation and quality of your services as a constructor. You must realize that you need to use other strategies to meet your goals. That was what Gregg did, and the results were much better than expected. Gregg has had his construction company since 2012. He has coped with different kinds of situations in a very competitive market. He has been able to keep on business, but two years ago he realized that was the perfect moment to grow. At first, he felt a little bit lost, but he found the help he needed in a consultant group. They advised him to take one of the best small business loans available in the market. It was not difficult for him to get it because he complied with the lender requirements. The second step was to invest that money smartly. He invested in new equipment and new technology to stay up-to-date, but he also put money into an online marketing campaign to promote his business. He saw short-term gains and his client portfolio got bigger. If he had not applied for a small business loan, he would not have obtained those results. Small business loans are the best way to grow Have you ever thought about a small business loan to make your construction business grow? Would you like to hire the right people, buy new equipment and technology or move your company to a bigger physical space? There is an answer to all these questions: a small business loan. The only thing you must do is to check the requirements you need to comply to apply for one. This finance tool will give you the power to change your business present and future.
Out of 145 entries submitted in 2019, 91 National Landscape Awards have been bestowed on 63 members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), with several members winning an Award in multiple categories. Since the event was brought back in-house in 2018, numerous records have been achieved including the most entries received in the past 10 years as well as the highest number of entries from first-time entrants at 51, 35% of the total entries and an incredible record of 34 International entries. Notable wins include five Awards for Registered Contractors Nurture Landscapes, four Awards for Garden Club London and three Awards for Rosemary Coldstream MBALI of Rosemary Coldstream Garden Design. Registered Contractor Sky Garden, who recently joined BALI also took home an Award for its scheme ‘One Bayshill Road’ in the ‘Soft Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Under £500K’ category whilst Bridgman & Bridgman, another new member, won an Award for its roof garden at IKEA Greenwich. The BALI National Landscape Awards’ expert Adjudication Panel, led by John Melmoe was joined by BALI Chief Executive Wayne Grills, Operations Manager Kirsty Wood and Events Project Manager Leah Brookes for a three-day deliberation marathon in late August where each of the 145 entries were scrutinised. Reflecting on this year’s tough deliberations, John said: “The meeting was extremely heated at times, with in-depth discussion on each and every scheme submitted. This is a very healthy process with a blend of good humour thrown in. The complexity of some projects entered is always interesting and shows the diverse nature of the industry in which we are involved. The majority of categories were well supported, but we noted a very strong presence from the domestic categories. The quality of both the presentation and precision of execution within this sector were extremely high. The commercial sectors have some serious competition coming through. Each year the range of projects submitted continues to grow and we need to portray the industries’ capabilities to a wider audience within the construction industry and beyond. The Awards provides the platform for showcasing the industries skills and has increased in stature to become the leading event in the landscaping calendar. I cannot wait to gauge the anticipation of the members at this year’s ceremony.” Leah, who is managing the event from BALI Landscape House, said: “This is my first BALI National Landscape Awards event and I have been so impressed with the high standards achieved by members. With a record number of entries since 2009, it proves that the Awards remain the largest landscaping Awards event in Europe, celebrating and rewarding schemes in the UK and internationally. I personally had the pleasure of joining some of the Adjudicators on their site visits this year, to get a firm understanding of the process. It’s true what they say, they really do leave no stone unturned when judging is underway.” Wayne added: “Looking at the results this year, it’s clear our members are some of the world’s most talented, highly skilled landscape professionals, with projects that continue to set the benchmark in quality standards. Using cutting-edge technology and incorporating state-of-the-art materials helps to define these schemes and sets them on pedestals that are in a league of their own. Members have also demonstrated ways they have invested heavily in training and attaining industry – recognised accreditations, an exemplary achievement considering budget restraints and fluid economic market conditions. Congratulations to each and every one of you and I look forward to seeing you displaying your achievements on your own website and marketing materials.” With the ceremony fast approaching, it has been confirmed that sport and lifestyle presenter Mark Durden-Smith is the host for 2019 and tickets are now on sale and expected to sell-out quickly upon the release of this year’s winners. The ceremony will be held on Friday 6 December at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London with Headline Sponsor and BALI Registered Affiliate Green-tech. For more information and for tickets visit baliawards.co.uk. Early Bird rates are available until Monday 23 September 2019. BALI National Landscape Awards 2019 – Award Winners Domestic Garden Construction – Under 30k – Sponsored by Derbyshire Aggregates • LDC for A Private Residence in Leytonstone • Boast About The Garden for Outdoor Kitchen & Seating Area • Garden Club London for Private Residence in Teddington • Langlea Garden Design & Construction for Line Domestic Garden Construction – Between £30k – £60k – Sponsored by Palmstead Nurseries • J & S Scapes for Private Residence in Weedon • Garden Club London for Private Residence in Middlesex • Garden Club London for Private Residence in London • Landscape Associates for Private Residence in Peckham Domestic Garden Construction – Between £60k – £100k – Sponsored by Johnsons of Whixley • HG Landscapes for ECS • Isola Garden Design for Family Lifestyle Garden • Graduate Gardeners for Private Residence, Kirtlington, Oxfordshire • Baikie Landscape Construction for Private Residence in Burghclere • PWP Landscape Design for Private Residence in Harrogate Domestic Garden Construction – Between £100k – £250k – Sponsored by Van den Berk Nurseries • Verde Landscapes for Private Residence in Kent • J & S Scapes for Private Residence in Wingrave • The Outdoor Room for Ribbon Wheel Garden • Living Landscapes for Private Residence in Surrey • Outdoor Options for Belvoir House • Greenhaven Group for Pendlehaven • Landscape Associates for Private Residence in Wandsworth Domestic Garden Construction – Over £250k – Sponsored by Europlants UK • LDC for Private Residence in Esher • Inscapes for Private Residence in Old Windsor Soft Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Under £500k • Bowles & Wyer for Newnham College • Sky Garden for One Bayshill Road Soft Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Over £500k – Sponsored by Bourne Amenity • NT Killingley for University of Northampton, Waterside Campus • idverde for Sauchiehall Street Avenue, Glasgow Hard Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Under £500K • Blakedown Landscapes (SE) for Cannon Park Memorial • NAO Landscapes for Bedford House • PC Landscapes for Exbury Centenary
To put it simply, green building, or eco-friendly building means developing and applying environmentally-conscious strategies throughout the entire process of elevating a building. Eco-friendly construction practices are starting to gain more and more popularity, and for good reasons. They are not only good for the environment, but in the long run, they are also more efficient and cost-effective. The main goals of green building are to minimize the environmental footprint, not only during construction, but throughout the entire existence and usage of the building. Basically, anything you can do to reduce the negative impact that the construction of a new building has on the environment, from the energy required to transport materials, to the one needed to heat the entire structure, can be considered a step forward towards green building. But what are the best eco-construction practices? Smart house designing Every good project starts with a good plan, so the first step towards an environmentally-friendly building is developing a strategic layout. First of all, you must take into consideration the area where the building is going to be placed. Does is get sunlight all day long? Are there any tall buildings around it? How is the weather in this area? These are all questions that need to be answered prior to designing the layout. When it comes to room placement, the best way to make use of sunlight as much as possible is to place the most used rooms on the sides of the house where you get the most sun. This way, you can reduce the use of artificial light throughout the day. Of course, to get as much sunlight as possible, you need big windows. Design the windows to both fit the aesthetic and functionality of the house. In the living room area, you can even go as far as having an entire wall made of windows. If possible, consider a skylight or roof windows, for extra light. Insulation, insulation, insulation Insulation is paramount for preserving energy. It helps keep the heat or cold in, reducing the need for overusing the heating or cooling installation. The problem with conventional insulation materials is that they contain toxic chemicals either in their composition or in the adhesives used, which not only endanger the environment, but also the people living inside the house. Those chemicals are slowly released into the air and are inhaled into the lungs. Fortunately, there are many natural materials that can be used for insulation, which do not present any harm. Some of those are even more affordable than conventional materials. Sheep’s wool, for example, can be used as insulation and does not contain any chemicals. If you want an even more eco-friendly option, you will be pleased to know that recycled cotton, obtained from discarded pieces of clothing that are being shredded, is another effective insulation option. Some companies even produce insulation boards made out of wood fiber. The boards are made out of wood chips that are left over by the timber industry, which are then glued together by using natural, non-harmful adhesives. Mindful waste disposal Without proper disposal of the waste that is resulted from construction, all those other good practices would be meaningless. If the construction process requires the demolition of an old building, instead of disposing of the materials on landfills, where they would just turn into piles of dirt, they can be sent to recycling centers, where they can be later on recycled into new construction materials. Another way to safely and easily dispose of construction materials is to hire skips. Although statistics show skip hire prices are increasing across the UK, you can still find plenty of cost-effective and reliable options online. Price is usually determined by the type of waste that needs to be disposed of, current demand and traffic levels, but typically the average price does not exceed £350 for an 8 cubic yard skip. Before disposing of anything, make sure it can not be reused in other future projects, which could bring out significant cost reductions. Part of the roofing, for example, can be reused to cover a pergola for the back yard, or a small garage. Use sustainable materials Of course, make use of as much recyclable or biodegradable products as possible. Apart from reusing old materials, contact companies that provide recycled construction materials. Brick, mortar, adhesives, there is a wide range of companies that now produce recycled or non-harmful materials for construction purposes. When possible, also make sure to purchase locally sourced materials. This helps both to support local suppliers and invest in the economy of your city, but also to avoid transportation costs and energy use. Transporting materials form long distances has a massive effect on the environment, as large trucks are known to bet the biggest reason for near-road air-polluting. Apart from construction materials, make sure to promote the use of energy-efficient house appliances also. LED bulbs, for example, last 35 times more than incandescent bulbs and can help save up to 75% more energy. Low-flow toilets are also a good option for saving water, as well as low-flow showerheads and taps. Harness renewable energy Last, but not least, promote the installation of solar panels as much as possible. When it comes to solar panels, some people are scared by the initial prices of installation, but in the long run, the return is worth the investment. Some governments even offer help to those who want to invest in solar panel installation. Solar panels can also be used in the construction phase, to generate power for the equipment used. This will not only reduce operational costs, but will also back-up the eco-friendly practices you are trying to promote. This will serve as an example for the entire industry and prove that the way construction was done by now can be improved. Taking care of the environment is a duty that everyone should perform. It shows concern for the issues that the entire world is confronted with at the moment and provides people with
Whether you are planning to remodel the old one, or have made a new purchase, renovating the driveway puts the finishing touch to your home. However, before getting on with the task, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. Material A range of materials can be used to construct a driveway — each one comes with its advantages. Ready-mixed concrete has emerged as a popular option due to its consistently high quality. It requires the least maintenance, and it is the most durable of all other alternatives. Asphalt driveways are also becoming a popular choice these days. Often, calculating the quantity for the material becomes a hard job. There are several online asphalt calculators available for your convenience. This asphalt calculator helps you calculate the weight and volume of the material required for the purpose. Layout The layout of your driveway will guide the construction of the driveway that you desire. The idea of renovation offers you an opportunity to try out different plans and designs than the existing one. A straight path from the street towards the garage is one of the most common and simplest driveway layouts. Other than this, one could also consider a circular driveway. One of the most popular designs in recent times is the horseshoe. These layouts work best for a home with a busy street as it provides an easier in and out access. Access You must realize that not all visitors to your home will be entering through the garage. Therefore, it is essential to have a walkway from the front door to the driveway for the visitors. Ideally, the same material should be used for both of these as it gives a cohesive appearance. With homes in snow prone area, you should ensure that you will be able to create a safe walking space even after clearing out the driveway. Also, proper drainage needs to take care of to avoid water puddles in the rainy season. Season Timing becomes crucial when you are thinking of redoing your driveway. You will first be needed to clear the old driveway, prepare the area, and install the new surface. Depending on the material you are employing, it will take time to dry. Therefore, the weather becomes an essential factor. Ensure to schedule the renovation such that there isn’t any rain in the near forecast. Also, you should try to avoid working in extreme temperatures. Following your comfort, you can also schedule the renovation in phases. Maintenance The type of design and material installed in the driveway will inform the need for future maintenance. The objective is to create a durable driveway; however, even the most durable of materials need upkeep. Concrete driveways develop cracks quickly, primarily if tree roots spread underneath. The asphalt driveways require resealing every couple of years. Also, If you have a stone or brick driveway, then it is always advisable to keep the extra ones for replacement time and again.
The Building Services Engineering Association (BESA) says it is starting to devise the first British Standard for healthy buildings. The association said that owing to a series of factors including the rise of the human wellness industry, an increase of cases in occupational asthma and climate change, it had started to design the standard to “establish performance benchmarks for healthier buildings”. BESA has launched a new Health and Well-being in Buildings Group to support this work. Nathan Wood, chair of this group, said: “The building engineering sector has tended to measure its success in terms of energy performance, and the scrutiny on that will only increase as we look for ways to deliver the government’s vision of a net zero-carbon economy.” Wood added: “However, growing concern about how the indoor environment affects physical and mental health means we have a much wider social responsibility. Indoor air quality can be five times worse than outdoor conditions due to the mixture and concentration of pollutants. The focus on reducing carbon is an opportunity to address quality issues in the widest sense and ensure our built environment is reshaped to be fit for the future.” BESA’s national conference on 21 November will also be themed around these topics.
Ambitious and talented, Quantity Surveyor Rebecca Freeman has forged a successful career in the housing industry, sparked from her early days working as a lettings negotiator. In 2010, Rebecca joined Watford Community Housing Trust as a repairs administrator. It wasn’t long before her talent and dedication were noticed, and she was offered the role of junior surveyor. In 2014, Rebecca decided that it was time to go back into education to study Building Surveying at the University of Westminster. It was during her second year of studying that she came across the Women in Property Awards and with that her future employer, Linden Homes. Rebecca’s university lecturer nominated her to take part in the Women in Property Student Awards, which not only did she win the South East division, but also landed her a new role with a top-10 housebuilder, Linden Homes. Rebecca explained: “It was during my presentation that I met the managing director for Linden Homes Chiltern. I was absolutely thrilled when he approached me afterwards and offered me a role as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor. I’d known about Linden Homes for some time due to their national reputation and some developments that were taking place near me”. Since joining Linden Homes, Rebecca’s career has gone from strength to strength. She’s recently graduated from university with a first-class honours degree. Rebecca said: “It was fantastic to graduate with a first, especially whilst juggling a family and a full-time job, Linden Homes have been fantastic with supporting me through my degree”. Rebecca has since been promoted to the role of quantity surveyor, “I’m now running two sites on my own and I’m in the process of procuring a further two sites, which I’ll work on from the outset. I’ll now be working with the planning and construction teams, seeing the plans evolve and then eventually overseeing the build”. Speaking about the next steps in her career, Rebecca commented: “I’m really excited to see my first projects through from the initial land buying, to watching our customers move in. But in terms of further training I’m looking to do my Assessment of Professional Competence and become a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, which I’m looking to get started by the end of 2019. It can be a lengthy process, but it took me five years to complete my degree, so patience is something I’m used to!”.
Manufacturer’s systems now feature on all five Cardiff office buildings by JR Smart. Ultra-green ceiling tiles from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions feature again on the fifth and latest office building to rise in Cardiff’s Capital Quarter redevelopment. Specified by M2M Architects, they feature throughout the office areas at No 4 Capital Quarter, the eight-storey canal-side landmark office building designed to BREEAM “Excellent, in the heart of the city’s Enterprise Zone. The Dune eVo MicroLook mineral tiles had already been used by main contractor JR Smart on the five previous office projects and were specified, with their approval, for this latest, 96,870ft2 Grade A building which is now home to Sky UK, legal firm Geldards and financial services company Optimum Credit. The building incorporates the occupational density of open floor plates to suit the current and future needs of modern office occupiers as well as a central atrium, high-quality reception, sixth-floor roof terrace and ground-floor retail and leisure units. Some 11,000m2 of the 1200mm x 300mm Dune eVo panels were supplied to No 4 by the Cardiff branch of distributor Nevill Long and installed on the 2.7m floor-to-ceiling heights by specialist sub-contractor 2nd Generation Facades. Fully recyclable, Dune eVo is the next evolution in ceiling tiles. The tiles provide a balanced acoustic performance of up to 0.65 aw, Class C sound absorption, and a sound attenuating performance of up to 39 dB. The perforation design of Dune eVo is unique to standard tiles, creating a smooth, contemporary finish. Dune eVo has been highly engineered to have a reinforced edge that provides maximum durability and resilience, both in storage and application. It is the first ceiling system in the industry to gain Cradle to Cradle accreditation. Rhodri Morgan of M2M Architects said: “We specified Armstrong Ceilings’ Dune eVo system in the knowledge the client was happy with it on office buildings we had carried out for them.” Armstrong’s area sales manager for the UK’s south-west, Mark Turner, added: “This project showcases what a great visual can be achieved using Dune eVo MicroLook.” JR Smart has continued to bring prestigious new office space to market in the centre of the Welsh capital regardless of the wider economic climate. Since acquiring the seven-acre brownfield site, its Capital Quarter scheme is now home to some of the area’s leading companies and organisations, with all of its office schemes now fully let. Over the past decade, Capital Quarter, which began with the relatively modest (at 37,000ft2) Driscoll Buildings scheme, has provided more than 370,000ft2 of new office space and will eventually accommodate more than 3,000 staff. The wider Capital Quarter scheme is well on track to delivering over 1,000,000ft2 of development including residential, café and student accommodation. Number Four joins the existing office space at Capital Quarter that is already home to Finance Wales, Alert Logic, WSP-Parsons Brinckerhoff, Network Rail, Home Office, Public Health Wales and Opus Energy. The four-storey Driscoll Buildings completed in 2012. Capital Quarter’s first major office building – the nine-storey, 77,992ft2 Grade A No 1 Capital Quarter – followed soon after, with completion in 2014 and subsequent sale to the Welsh Government. The 85,077ft2 No 2 Capital Quarter was completed in March 2016 and in summer 2018 the seven-storey, 77,931ft2 No 3 was completed and part-let to consumer champion Which? JR Smart construction director Gareth Smart said: “It has been a great 12 months at Capital Quarter which is testament to the commitment and hard work of the whole Capital Quarter development team, including our professional advisers and sub-contractors who I would personally like to thank.” More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/
CIVIL ENGINEERING and surfacing firm Thomas Bow City Asphalt has successfully secured a multi-million pound Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council framework contract to deliver road repair works across the county. The four-year patching contract – worth a total of £36 million – will see Thomas Bow act as the principal contractor for the project. The firm will be responsible for more than 3,000 miles of road and deliver everything from traffic management, road marking, road planning and surfacing for the scheme. Alistair Bow, sixth generation managing director at Thomas Bow, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council as it’s not only a really significant contract but the work really complements our stronghold across the East Midlands. “The framework win has also allowed us to take on a further two surfacing teams – a total of 19 full time roles – as well as invest in new equipment such as pavers and vehicles. As a firm, we have extensive experience working across the Midlands and Yorkshire, so this appointment will help boost the work we’re already doing in the region. “We’ve had an excellent few years here at Thomas Bow – from our 150th anniversary in 2017 to securing Highway England framework win via a joint venture with Breedon Southern Limited in 2018, this contract provides a great support to 2019.” A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council said: “The maintenance and upkeep of our roads is a vitally important aspect of the work delivered by the county council. From pothole repairs to resurfacing, we’re responsible for more than 2,500 miles of roads. Ensuring the extensive road network runs smoothly is no mean feat and requires a large degree of co-ordination and flexibility. Carriageway repairs require quick solutions to make sure the impact on the travelling public is minimal. We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Thomas Bow City Asphalt to provide carriageway patching and repairs across the county, while, at the same time, ensuring that we’re delivering value for money for the council taxpayer.” Thomas Bow is based in Nottingham and has worked on some of most distinguished landmarks and transport systems across the Midlands and Yorkshire. Recent projects include the £10m contract to surface the second phase of the Nottingham tram system, the new car park 7 at Birmingham Airport and the Lincoln Transport Hub. To find out more about Thomas Bow City Asphalt, visit www.thomasbow.com or join the conversation on Twitter @thomas_bow.
The construction of a new data centre is back on track following the rapid adoption of its electricity infrastructure by Energy Assets Networks (EAN), one of Britain’s leading independent distribution network operators (IDNO). An Independent connection provider (ICP) approached EAN when delays to the adoption of HV assets serving a new section of a data centre campus threatened to compromise the site’s development schedule. Wiltshire-based Ark Data Centres builds and operates facilities that power IT systems critical to connectivity across a growing range of services accessed via smartphone, computer, tablet or other electronic devices. They are central to the way that businesses engage with their customer base. The project was at risk of missing critical deadlines, so the ICP which installed the network contacted EAN to adopt the assets. EAN is thought to be the only IDNO with an in-house legal resource and, as a result, was able to conclude multiple land rights agreements within a 12-week period from inception to adoption. At the same time, the company’s technical team completed all the necessary connections certifications and documentation with the distribution network operator and meter operator. Lewis Rogers, Head of Construction at Ark Data Centres, commented: “EAN worked with us to understand the criticality of the deadline dates, whist maintaining a focus on the importance of a robust adoption process. This practical approach mitigated against the potential for long delays we were facing with the DNO. “The EAN team mobilised professionally and quickly to help us maintain the programme of works that will ensure the facility is brought online as scheduled.” Symon Gray, Compliance and Standards Manager at EAN, said: “As a business, we possess a positive and flexible mindset when it comes to network adoption. Our investment in in-house legal and technical resources means we are able to complete ownership agreements professionally and in a timely manner, creating optimal value for ICPs and businesses.” To find out more, go to www.energyassetsnetworks.co.uk
Leading supplier of hardware components, Rothley, has partnered with the UK’s largest specialist ironmongery supplier, IronmongeryDirect, tolaunch Rothley Endurance – an innovative range of strong, durable and long-lasting tubes and fittings for multiple applications. Unlike similar products currently on the market, the Rothley Endurance range is crafted from grade 201 stainless steel, making it harder wearing and eliminating the need for the environmentally damaging chrome plating process. Due to their robust and rust-resistant properties, Rothley Endurance tubes are suitable for multiple interior and exterior applications including curtain poles, shoe racks, wardrobe rails, shower head holders and outdoor handrails in gardens. The range comes in two high-quality finishes, mirror polished or brushed satin, and is available exclusively at IronmongeryDirect with competitive trade prices and next-day delivery. Simon Cox, Sales and Marketing Manager at Rothley, said: “We’re delighted to partner with IronmongeryDirect to launch our latest innovative product range. We hope Rothley Endurance will provide a solution for those looking for premium, high-quality tubes and fittings with the added benefit of being suitable for indoor and outdoor use.” IronmongeryDirect has over 17,500 products in stock. Orders can be placed as late as 8pm for next day delivery from Sunday through to Friday and by 4pm on Saturdays. Free, no quibble returns are available on all products. For more information visit IronmongeryDirect.com or call their team of specialist advisors on 0800 168 28 28.